last_o bring_v faith_n of_o assurance_n there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a course_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n than_o by_o put_v forth_o fresh_a act_n of_o faith_n on_o christ_n for_o as_o by_o the_o vital_a act_n of_o life_n we_o know_v we_o have_v life_n so_o by_o believe_v we_o come_v to_o know_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v yea_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o the_o best_a evidence_n of_o grace_n but_o also_o it_o give_v light_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o all_o other_o evidence_n of_o grace_n yea_o who_o be_v they_o to_o who_o christ_n most_o delight_n to_o give_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n but_o such_o as_o most_o frequent_o love_v and_o elect_v he_o for_o himself_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o lively_a feel_a experience_n of_o the_o best_a saint_n who_o usual_o never_o find_v christ_n near_o to_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o love_n than_o when_o their_o heart_n be_v near_a to_o he_o by_o such_o fiducial_a act_n of_o election_n and_o love_n i_o have_v know_v a_o christian_a and_o indeed_o the_o great_a saint_n that_o i_o ever_o know_v who_o be_v much_o assault_v with_o a_o violent_a tentation_n that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o resolution_n that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n hitherto_o yet_o now_o he_o will_v cast_v himself_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n immediate_o the_o tentation_n vanish_v thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o sovereign_a influence_n fresh_a act_n of_o adherence_n to_o christ_n have_v to_o dispel_v doubt_n and_o strengthen_v friendship_n with_o christ_n sect_n 3._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v more_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n col._n 2.7_o 3._o christ_n 3._o advice_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o grow_v more_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n hence_o follow_v another_o seasonable_a 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 the_o dignity_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o profession_n namely_o that_o they_o will_v labour_v after_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n more_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o subsequent_a of_o the_o former_a and_o so_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o col._n 2.7_o paul_n have_v 2.7_o col._n 2.7_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n exhort_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n by_o frequent_a election_n of_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o at_o first_o receive_v he_o he_o here_o subjoin_v root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o content_v themselves_o in_o the_o mere_a repetition_n of_o their_o first_o act_n and_o work_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v progress_n therein_o and_o grow_v more_o root_v and_o wel-grounded_n in_o christ_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v you_o can_v walk_v in_o and_o with_o christ_n as_o your_o friend_n unless_o you_o be_v deep_o radicate_v or_o root_v and_o firm_o superstruct_v or_o build_v upon_o christ_n here_o be_v a_o twofold_a mecaphor_n the_o one_o take_v from_o plant_n wel-radicated_n the_o other_o from_o edifice_n or_o house_n wel-grounded_n he_o teach_v we_o therefore_o that_o christ_n be_v our_o root_n in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v daily_o more_o firm_o radicate_v and_o our_o foundation_n on_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v continual_o more_o firm_o edificate_v or_o build_v the_o first_o notion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v render_v by_o erasmus_n so_o as_o you_o may_v have_v root_n fix_v in_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o other_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o participle_n of_o the_o present_a tense_n it_o show_v that_o this_o superstruction_n be_v successive_a and_o gradual_a as_o ephes_n 2.21_o in_o sum_n the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n will_v endeavor_n after_o a_o solidity_n firmitude_n depth_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o great_a fundamental_a and_o vital_a act_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o follow_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n loc_n faith_n idem_fw-la absque_fw-la figura_fw-la repetit_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la translationes_fw-la dixerat_fw-la calv._n in_o loc_n whereby_o he_o naked_o and_o without_o a_o figure_n express_v what_o he_o have_v before_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o two_o metaphor_n of_o be_v root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n now_o the_o great_a fundamental_a and_o vital_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n wherein_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v more_o deep_o radicate_v or_o root_v and_o build_v up_o be_v these_o 1._o christ_n 1._o a_o solid_a and_o firm_a assent_n to_o and_o estime_fw-fr of_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v labour_v after_o a_o great_a solidity_n and_o depth_n as_o also_o firmitude_n and_o strength_n of_o assent_n to_o and_o estimation_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o friend_n the_o more_o deep_o radicate_v solid_a and_o firm_a our_o assent_n to_o and_o estime_fw-fr of_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n be_v the_o more_o shall_v we_o live_v and_o walk_v and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o friendship_n with_o he_o a_o superficial_a feeble_a assent_n to_o or_o commun_v and_o cheap_a estime_fw-fr of_o christ_n argue_v a_o very_a slender_a and_o narrow_a if_o any_o degree_n of_o sincere_a amity_n with_o christ_n this_o prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o world_n of_o pretend_a friendship_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o want_v this_o due_a solidity_n firmitude_n depth_n and_o vigour_n of_o assent_n and_o estime_fw-fr and_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o more_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v radicate_v and_o wel-grounded_n herein_o the_o more_o they_o will_v grow_v up_o to_o flourish_a tree_n and_o beautiful_a structure_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n 2._o christ_n 2._o a_o strong_a and_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o christ_n another_o radical_a fundamental_a and_o vital_a part_n of_o faith_n wherein_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v endeavour_v after_o more_o solidity_n depth_n and_o firmitude_n be_v cordial_a adhesion_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o friend_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v labour_v after_o a_o peremptory_a resolute_a yea_o headstrong_a bent_n of_o will_n in_o adherence_n to_o christ_n the_o more_o tenacious_a violent_a and_o strong_a the_o will_n be_v in_o adhere_v to_o christ_n the_o better_a and_o more_o durable_a be_v its_o friendship_n with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o barnabas_n advice_n to_o the_o young_a christian_n at_o antioch_n 11.23_o act._n 11.23_o act._n 11.23_o and_o he_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n barnabas_n be_v much_o rejoice_v to_o see_v their_o young_a and_o green_a amity_n towards_o christ_n ay_o but_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v they_o more_o solid_a and_o firm_a more_o deep_o radicate_v in_o their_o adherence_n to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n i._n e._n with_o a_o more_o peremptory_a resolute_a determine_v fix_a will_n a_o heart_n more_o strong_o bend_v more_o firm_o and_o inviolable_o knit_v to_o christ_n a_o will_v more_o firm_o determine_v for_o christ_n but_o more_o undetermined_a for_o sin_n and_o self_n a_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o resolve_v for_o christ_n but_o more_o and_o more_o unresolved_a for_o other_o lover_n a_o will_v more_o bend_v for_o christ_n but_o more_o unbend_v for_o idol-friend_n so_o much_o also_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o follow_a notion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o adhere_v or_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o needle_n to_o the_o loadstone_n as_o the_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n as_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n this_o firm_a solid_a and_o deep_a adherence_n of_o the_o will_n to_o christ_n be_v well_o express_v 73.26_o ps_n 73.26_o psal_n 73.26_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d my_o rock_n he_o to_o who_o my_o heart_n adhere_v as_o a_o drown_a man_n to_o his_o rock_n or_o we_o may_v read_v it_o with_o r._n ezra_n thus_o the_o firm_a adhesion_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v to_o god_n rutherf_n hold_v fast_o christ_n contend_v for_o he_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a plea_n to_o go_v to_o hold_v for_o christ_n rutherf_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o be_o well_o nigh_o immerse_v and_o quite_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o ocean_n of_o tentation_n but_o yet_o the_o firm_a adherence_n or_o rational_a bent_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v to_o christ_n here_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v and_o stick_v come_v what_o wil._n and_o why_o because_o he_o be_v my_o portion_n for_o ever_o as_o it_o follow_v christ_n love_v a_o peremptory_a resolve_a will_n such_o as_o can_v part_v with_o he_o for_o the_o great_a good_a
contact_v whence_o shine_v upon_o the_o world_n it_o shall_v by_o its_o vivisick_n transformative_a efficacy_n not_o only_o convey_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o change_v dead_a creature_n into_o so_o many_o glorious_a live_a sun_n sure_o this_o will_v be_v a_o very_a glorious_a glass_n christ_n how_o the_o believe_a foul_a be_v transform_v into_o the_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n such_o a_o universal_a live_a transformative_a glass_n be_v christ_n all_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o glorious_a deity_n be_v contract_v in_o he_o neither_o ever_o do_v or_o shall_v or_o may_v there_o any_o one_o soulsaving_a ray_n of_o the_o dive_v glory_n shine_v upon_o the_o dark_a sinful_a world_n but_o what_o be_v reflect_v from_o this_o glorious_a glass_n yea_o such_o be_v its_o vivifick_a transformative_a efficacy_n as_o that_o those_o who_o by_o a_o sanctify_a eye_n of_o faith_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n therein_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n etc._n etc._n jesus_n christ_n god-man_n have_v all_o the_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n image_n and_o grace_n shine_v in_o he_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n he_o reflect_v the_o same_o in_o and_z by_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n who_o by_o faith_n contemplate_v the_o same_o be_v by_o the_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n transform_v into_o the_o same_o glorious_a image_n even_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n i._n e._n from_o one_o degree_n of_o glorious_a grace_n unto_o another_o thus_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o faith_n contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n meekness_n patience_n kindness_n justice_n etc._n etc._n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o effectual_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n transform_v into_o a_o wise_a meek_a patient_a kind_a and_o just_a spirit_n i'faith_o by_o contemplate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a idea_n of_o the_o same_o glorious_a image_n a_o divine_a light_n and_o life_n bear_v some_o ressemblance_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n or_o divine_a nature_n so_o that_o christ_n the_o essential_a glass_n of_o god_n have_v nor_o only_a a_o manifestative_a but_o also_o a_o transformative_a change_v glory_n shine_v in_o he_o christ_n ressemble_v best_a your_o vitreous_a miroirs_n miroir_n christ_n ressemble_v to_o a_o miroir_n or_o locking-glass_n which_o reflect_v the_o image_n most_o lively_a for_o glass_n because_o it_o be_v rare_a and_o pellucid_a receive_v the_o species_n or_o image_n with_o more_o facility_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o pelluciditie_n it_o do_v not_o so_o easy_o fix_v and_o retain_v the_o image_n receive_v wherefore_o be_v succur_v nature_n to_o the_o glass_n she_o add_v lead_v or_o quicksilver_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o densitie_n fix_v the_o image_n receive_v by_o the_o glass_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o lively_a shadow_n of_o our_o emmanuel_n as_o he_o be_v the_o miroir_n or_o looking-glass_n of_o god_n the_o father_n glorious_a image_n for_o his_o deity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o glass_n which_o be_v most_o pellucid_a and_o clear_a and_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o lead_n or_o quicksilver_n which_o fix_v the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o so_o make_v it_o reflexible_a to_o we_o such_o a_o glorious_a miroir_n or_o looking-glass_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n be_v christ_n as_o god-man_n and_o how_o infinite_o eligible_a for_o himself_o do_v this_o render_v he_o what_o do_v all_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o father_n glorious_a attribute_n centre_n on_o christ_n be_v there_o not_o any_o one_o beam_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v on_o the_o sinful_a world_n with_o the_o save_a light_n of_o life_n but_o what_o be_v reflect_v from_o this_o live_n transform_a glorious_a glass_n god-man_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o please_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n of_o faith_n fix_v on_o this_o glorious_a miroir_n or_o lookingglass_n whereon_o all_o the_o father_n glory_n shine_v oh_o what_o a_o sweet_a death_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o sanctify_a mind_n stand_v gaze_v on_o this_o glorious_a heart-transforming_a glass_n till_o its_o eyestring_n even_o break_v by_o continue_a contemplation_n admiration_n adoration_n and_o fruition_n of_o those_o soul_n ravish_v perfection_n that_o shine_v therein_o who_o will_v not_o cry_v sorrow_n shame_n and_o hell_n upon_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o elect_v our_o emmanuel_n the_o substantial_a glass_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o himself_o ah_o what_o a_o hell_n be_v it_o to_o reject_v he_o believe_v it_o there_o be_v no_o life_n so_o pure_a so_o holy_a so_o lovely_a so_o sweet_a so_o flourish_v so_o active_a so_o generous_a so_o noble_a so_o harmonious_a so_o glorious_a so_o admirable_a so_o perfect_a as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o spend_v in_o the_o spiritual_a intuition_n or_o fiducial_a vision_n election_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n which_o shine_v in_o this_o glass_n god-man_n he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o dead_a barren_a hard_a backslide_n heart_n transform_v into_o a_o lively_a fruitful_a tender_a flourish_a heart_n let_v he_o come_v hither_o and_o be_v much_o in_o the_o spiritual_a contemplation_n of_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n which_o shine_v in_o this_o glass_n christ_n sect_n 7._o how_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n namely_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n holiness_n power_n truth_n omnipotence_n independence_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o general_n christ_n how_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n how_o all_o the_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o a_o temple_n where_o the_o deity_n dwell_v bodily_a as_o on_o a_o theatre_n where_o all_o the_o shine_a brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n be_v display_v as_o in_o a_o character_n of_o the_o father_n person_n as_o in_o a_o face_n and_o image_n wherein_o appear_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n of_o god_n and_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n which_o reflect_v all_o the_o glorious_a beam_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o now_o to_o take_v some_o particular_a view_n and_o consideration_n of_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n which_o shine_v in_o christ_n as_o god-man_n will_v great_o conduce_v to_o the_o explication_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o conclusion_n that_o christ_n be_v eligible_a for_o himself_o in_o the_o general_a the_o attribute_n of_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o shine_v in_o christ_n 1._o objective_o as_o he_o be_v the_o object-matter_n or_o theatre_n on_o which_o they_o act_v or_o 2._o formal_o as_o they_o all_o reside_v in_o he_o or_o 3._o effective_o as_o issue_v from_o he_o and_o act_v on_o the_o creature_n we_o shall_v consider_v they_o though_o very_o brief_o under_o all_o these_o regard_n 1._o objective_o 1._o god_n wisdom_n shine_v in_o christ_n 1._o objective_o the_o infinite_o glorious_a wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v most_o glorious_a in_o christ_n and_o that_o 1._o objectively_o in_o that_o divine_a wisdom_n find_v out_o such_o a_o admirable_a contrivement_n for_o the_o reconcilement_n of_o mercy_n and_o justice_n sinner_n and_o god_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o god-man_n oh_o what_o a_o glorious_a design_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n do_v there_o appear_v in_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n beyond_o what_o be_v manifest_a in_o all_o the_o other_o work_v of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o shine_a brightness_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o this_o great_a plot_n of_o redemtion_n by_o christ_n much_o outshine_v yea_o seem_v comparative_o to_o cast_v a_o veil_n on_o that_o wisdom_n which_o shine_v in_o all_o other_o work_v of_o god_n sure_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o make_v comparison_n between_o the_o work_n of_o god_n this_o of_o redemtion_n by_o christ_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n formal_o 2._o formal_o 2._o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n formal_o as_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n be_v loged_a in_o he_o colos_n 2.3_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n effective_o 3._o effective_o 3._o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n effective_o as_o all_o that_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o saint_n flow_v from_o he_o 1_o cor._n 1.30_o but_o of_o he_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v to_o we_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n 2._o christ_n 2._o the_o goodness_n love_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n the_o infinite_a glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n goodness_n love_n grace_n and_o mercy_n shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o our_o emmanuel_n and_o that_o objective_o 1_o objective_o 1._o objective_o christ_n be_v the_o high_a expression_n of_o divine_a goodness_n the_o rich_a token_n of_o the_o father_n love_n the_o most_o glorious_a monument_n of_o god_n free_a grace_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
the_o bridegroom_n himself_o more_o than_o in_o his_o gift_n his_o comfort_n be_v sweet_a but_o himself_o ought_v to_o be_v sweet_a to_o his_o friend_n who_o may_v not_o dâ—te_v upon_o his_o love_n or_o any_o thing_n below_o himself_o 2._o fruition_n 2._o christ_n our_o most_o universal_a good_a and_o so_o the_o chief_a matter_n of_o fruition_n hence_o if_o we_o will_v take_v all_o our_o content_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o happiness_n we_o must_v intend_v affect_v and_o enjoy_v he_o as_o the_o most_o universal_a comprehensive_a choice_a and_o best_a good_n this_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a for_o whatever_o we_o eye_v and_o affect_v for_o itself_o we_o look_v on_o and_o make_v our_o supreme_a and_o chief_a good_a and_o thence_o the_o alone_a object_n of_o our_o fruition_n there_o be_v no_o true_a contentement_n but_o what_o spring_v from_o fruition_n and_o there_o be_v no_o regular_a fruition_n but_o what_o be_v conversant_a about_o the_o chief_a good_n fruition_n be_v the_o end_n of_o love_n but_o the_o begin_n of_o contentement_n none_o love_v any_o thing_n as_o his_o best_a good_a but_o what_o he_o will_v fain_o enjoy_v and_o none_o will_v enjoy_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o will_v fain_o find_v contentement_n in_o for_o to_o enjoy_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n be_v as_o augustin_n well_o observe_v by_o love_n to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o for_o itself_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o proper_o be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o fruition_n but_o god_n in_o christ_n we_o may_v use_v the_o creature_n as_o mean_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o high_a end_n but_o we_o may_v enjoy_v nothing_o but_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o happiness_n 3._o satisfaction_n 3._o christ_n the_o spring_n of_o our_o satisfaction_n to_o content_v ourselves_o in_o and_o with_o christ_n as_o our_o objective_a felicity_n imply_v thus_o much_o also_o that_o we_o make_v he_o the_o alone_a spring_n of_o our_o satisfaction_n for_o whatever_o we_o make_v the_o commensurate_n formal_a object_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o also_o we_o make_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o satisfaction_n so_o psal_n 17.15_o i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v when_o i_o awake_v with_o thy_o likeness_n satisfaction_n can_v be_v form_v out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o the_o more_o intimate_a and_o complete_a our_o fruition_n thereof_o be_v the_o more_o contentement_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o find_v therein_o the_o more_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v swallow_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o christ_n their_o chief_a good_a the_o more_o contentement_n they_o find_v o_o then_o how_o shall_v they_o hunger_n thirst_n long_o and_o breath_n after_o and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o those_o divine_a satisfaction_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 4._o measure_n 4._o christ_n to_o be_v enjoy_v without_o measure_n to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o christ_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o happiness_n imply_v a_o infinite_a thirst_n or_o boundless_a desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o for_o whatever_o we_o make_v the_o adequate_a object_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o we_o can_v never_o exceed_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o only_a measure_n of_o our_o love_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a be_v to_o love_v and_o enjoy_v it_o without_o all_o measure_n he_o that_o content_v himself_o with_o christ_n as_o his_o choice_a good_a think_v he_o can_v never_o enjoy_v too_o much_o or_o enough_o of_o he_o 5._o good_n 5._o christ_n the_o measure_n of_o other_o good_n he_o that_o content_v himself_o with_o christ_n as_o his_o best_a good_a make_v he_o the_o universal_a idea_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o other_o good_n for_o our_o chief_a good_a be_v always_o our_o last_o end_n and_o what_o we_o make_v our_o last_o end_n that_o we_o ever_o make_v the_o first_o measure_n or_o standard_n of_o all_o other_o good_n the_o first_o in_o every_o kind_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o best_a good_a he_o be_v also_o our_o last_o end_n and_o thence_o the_o first_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o good_n all_o other_o inferior_a good_n must_v subserve_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o our_o supreme_a choice_a good_n sect_n 9_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o suffering_n immediate_o by_o or_o for_o christ_n 9_o our_o last_o great_a advice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fill_v up_o and_o improve_n this_o relation_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o suffer_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n the_o more_o we_o live_v as_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n faith_n be_v the_o master_n vein_n that_o conveigh_v vital_a spirit_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o friendship_n what_o make_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n more_o intimate_o one_o with_o he_o that_o firm_a adhesion_n to_o he_o by_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o this_o keep_v their_o heart_n close_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n heart_n close_o to_o they_o what_o be_v there_o that_o breed_v more_o self-jelousie_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n than_o clear_a repeted_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v they_o that_o depend_v least_o on_o themselves_o and_o most_o on_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o live_v most_o by_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o believe_a soul_n so_o far_o as_o his_o faith_n be_v predominant_a most_o zealous_a for_o and_o obedient_a to_o christ_n and_o yet_o most_o poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o dependent_a on_o christ_n do_v not_o faith_n make_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n so_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o and_o yet_o so_o absolute_o dependent_a on_o christ_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n or_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o one_o of_o the_o pure_a strain_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n but_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o to_o this_o head_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n have_v a_o great_a latitude_n it_o regard_v variety_n both_o of_o notion_n person_n and_o thing_n and_o these_o both_o present_a and_o future_a but_o we_o shall_v at_o present_a treat_v of_o it_o only_o as_o it_o regard_v a_o suffer_a condition_n and_o that_o 1._o immediate_o by_o christ_n 2._o for_o christ_n 1._o christ_n 1._o the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o regard_v a_o suffering-condition_n by_o christ_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o regard_v a_o suffer_a condition_n immediate_o by_o christ_n he_o that_o will_v deport_v and_o demean_v himself_o as_o a_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n under_o all_o suffering_n by_o or_o from_o christ_n namely_o under_o all_o christ_n absence_n retirement_n withdrawment_n of_o gracious_a or_o consolative_a influence_n etc._n etc._n christ_n have_v many_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n which_o induce_v he_o oft_o to_o retire_v and_o withdraw_v at_o least_o as_o to_o all_o sensible_a marquess_n of_o favour_n withdrawment_n christ_n have_v many_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n in_o his_o spiritual_a withdrawment_n from_o his_o best_a friend_n christ_n be_v resolve_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o his_o own_o presence_n and_o love-visit_n the_o most_o excellent_a spirit_n shall_v sometime_o want_v the_o same_o that_o so_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n on_o a_o absent_a christ_n many_o good_a friend_n of_o christ_n do_v too_o oft_o dote_v on_o the_o sweet_a refreshment_n and_o honey-dew_n of_o christ_n presence_n and_o therefore_o he_o see_v it_o fit_a at_o time_n to_o suspend_v the_o same_o that_o so_o they_o may_v love_v he_o more_o pure_o for_o himself_o his_o own_o essential_a excellence_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o conceit_n that_o christ_n presence_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o debt_n that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v take_v a_o liberty_n to_o go_v and_o come_v as_o he_o please_v that_o so_o his_o friend_n may_v see_v that_o his_o manifestation_n be_v most_o free_a and_o undeserved_a do_v not_o nature_n take_v her_o time_n to_o go_v and_o come_v as_o it_o please_v she_o and_o shall_v not_o christ_n the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n allow_v he_o yea_o be_v there_o not_o also_o much_o sovereign_a love_n and_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o much_o sovereign_a will_n in_o christ_n absence_n and_o retirement_n from_o his_o friend_n it_o be_v true_a christ_n absence_n from_o his_o friend_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o temporary_a hell_n ay_o but_o do_v not_o he_o bring_v a_o young_a heaven_n out_o of_o this_o seem_a hell_n do_v not_o apple_n of_o life_n spring_n out_o of_o this_o bitter_a root_n of_o spiritual_a
defertion_n be_v there_o not_o much_o invisible_a love_n and_o grace_n wrap_v up_o in_o christ_n visible_a departure_n from_o his_o friend_n paul_n see_v much_o of_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o prick_v of_o that_o thorny_a tentation_n which_o christ_n leave_v he_o under_o to_o prevent_v the_o tumur_n of_o pride_n 2_o cor._n 12.7_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d like_o a_o meteor_n in_o the_o air_n above_o measure_n he_o know_v the_o cup_n be_v mix_v by_o christ_n own_o hand_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v very_o bitter_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n oft_o hide_v himself_o that_o so_o his_o friend_n faith_n and_o love_n may_v find_v he_o out_o be_v not_o his_o delay_n of_o return_v intend_a as_o incentives_n to_o make_v his_o friend_n seek_v more_o earnest_o after_o he_o true_o indeed_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o time_n of_o desertion_n think_v they_o be_v go_v many_o degree_n back_o ay_o but_o do_v they_o not_o real_o advance_v at_o least_o in_o several_a grace_n in_o the_o end_n do_v they_o not_o hereby_o gain_v more_o vile_a mean_a cheap_a and_o humble_a estime_fw-fr of_o themselves_o but_o more_o large_a and_o deep_a and_o high_a and_o broad_a thought_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o their_o long_n and_o lovesickness_n after_o christ_n more_o vehement_a do_v they_o not_o arrive_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o self-diffidence_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o their_o spiritual_a poverty_n and_o self-emtines_a much_o augment_v have_v they_o not_o a_o more_o tender_a deep_a sense_n of_o with_o strong_a conflict_n against_o sin_n have_v they_o not_o more_o evangelic_n and_o serious_a purpose_n of_o entertain_v christ_n more_o kind_o at_o his_o return_n such_o be_v the_o sacred_a benefit_n which_o oft_o attend_v desertion_n and_o albeit_o the_o lord_n retirement_n for_o a_o while_n be_v not_o formal_o a_o act_n of_o love_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o intentional_o on_o christ_n part_n be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o friend_n hereby_o draw_v forth_o in_o their_o most_o glorious_a exercice_n namely_o to_o adhere_v to_o love_n and_o confide_v in_o a_o obsent_a angry_a frown_a christ_n and_o be_v not_o the_o sincerity_n and_o excellence_n of_o grace_n hereby_o great_o try_v and_o approve_v do_v not_o christ_n oft_o intend_v most_o grace_n where_o he_o sometime_o most_o suspend_v the_o sweet_a refresh_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n now_o these_o absence_n how_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n under_o all_o his_o absence_n with_o many_o other_o be_v the_o gracious_a fruit_n of_o christ_n absence_n and_o retirement_n from_o his_o friend_n for_o some_o time_n do_v it_o not_o great_o concern_v they_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n under_o all_o such_o withdrawment_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a raisure_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o and_o follow_v after_o a_o absent_a christ_n yea_o although_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o turn_v as_o a_o enemy_n against_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o faith_n by_o fresh_a election_n and_o recumbence_n avouch_v christ_n to_o be_v she_o albeit_o christ_n may_v seem_o deny_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v he_o do_v not_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n discover_v heroic_a strain_n of_o friendship_n towards_o christ_n in_o this_o particular_a 15._o mat._n 15._o mat._n 15.22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o 1._o she_o address_v herself_o to_o he_o as_o a_o humble_a supplicant_n 22._o mat._n 22._o v._o 22._o but_o what_o comfort_n do_v he_o afford_v she_o gold_n comfort_n indeed_o 23._o mat._n 23._o for_o v._o 23._o he_o answer_v she_o his_o word_n one_o will_v think_v her_o faith_n can_v pick_v little_a encouragement_n out_o of_o this_o what_o worse_a hell_n can_v there_o be_v to_o a_o believer_n that_o no_o answer_n from_o christ_n ay_o but_o do_v not_o her_o faith_n spy_v somewhat_o of_o heaven_n in_o this_o seem_a hell_n do_v she_o not_o apprehend_v somewhat_o of_o a_o answer_n in_o this_o filence_n of_o christ_n thence_o she_o continue_v to_o cry_v after_o he_o but_o yet_o he_o repel_v she_o again_o 24._o mat._n 24._o v._o 24._o with_o i_o be_o not_o send_v but_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o isracl_n what_o bottom_n have_v she_o for_o faith_n now_o be_v not_o the_o door_n quite_o shut_v against_o she_o by_o this_o repulse_n do_v not_o this_o seem_v worse_o than_o no_o answer_n be_v it_o not_o as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v woman_n be_v go_v i_o have_v not_o for_o thou_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o ay_o but_o yet_o her_o faith_n know_v how_o to_o improve_v this_o seem_a denial_n though_o christ_n will_v not_o own_v she_o for_o one_o of_o his_o lose_a sheep_n yet_o she_o be_v resolve_v to_o own_o and_o avouch_v he_o for_o her_o lord_n 25._o mat._n 25._o so_o v._n 25._o lord_n help_v i_o what_o answer_n do_v christ_n make_v now_o 26._o mat._n 26._o v._o 26._o it_o be_v not_o meet_a to_o take_v child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n one_o will_v think_v her_o faith_n be_v now_o quite_o puzzle_v and_o nonplus_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o more_o victorious_a 27._o mat._n 27._o as_o v._o 27._o and_o she_o say_v truth_n lord_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o also_o the_o posture_n of_o job_n spirit_n when_o he_o resolve_v to_o retain_v his_o confidence_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o shall_v kill_v he_o and_o do_v not_o david_n friendship_n with_o christ_n great_o discover_v itself_o in_o this_o that_o he_o resolve_v to_o follow_v after_o christ_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o fly_v from_o he_o psal_n 63.8_o be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o grand_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v this_o generous_a life_n of_o faith_n under_o all_o spiritual_a desertion_n and_o withdrawment_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o this_o turn_v their_o felt_n or_o apprehend_v hell_n under_o christ_n absence_n into_o a_o believe_v come_v heaven_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n of_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n 1._o christ_n 1_o in_o keep_v up_o good_a thought_n of_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v in_o all_o his_o retirement_n on_o spiritual_a desertion_n keep_v up_o good_a thought_n and_o maintain_v a_o high_a estime_fw-fr of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n under_o spiritual_a desertion_n for_o how_o apt_a be_v unbelief_n to_o strike_v in_o and_o raise_v many_o black_a lie_n and_o false_a report_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o absence_n unbelief_n be_v a_o very_a cloudy_a dark_a thing_n and_o therefore_o extreme_a prone_a to_o cloth_n christ_n with_o monstrous_a frightful_a shape_n of_o wrath_n and_o severity_n especial_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o desertion_n and_o such_o misjudgement_n of_o and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christ_n be_v great_o obstructive_a of_o a_o weltempered_a friendship_n with_o he_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o expel_v all_o vnbelieve_a jealousy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o withdrawment_n and_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v much_o of_o love_n and_o kindness_n even_o in_o christ_n frown_n bowel_n of_o sympathy_n and_o pity_n under_o the_o cloak_n of_o wrath_n with_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v cover_v a_o quick-sighted_a faith_n may_v see_v something_o of_o christ_n in_o all_o desertion_n which_o yield_v matter_n of_o hope_n and_o good_a opinion_n concern_v he_o and_o although_o the_o cup_n that_o christ_n give_v his_o friend_n to_o drink_v of_o be_v very_o bitter_a and_o nauseous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o faith_n may_v taste_v and_o smell_v something_o of_o christ_n therein_o christ_n absence_n from_o his_o friend_n albeit_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o temporary_a hell_n yet_o it_o have_v something_o of_o heaven_n engrave_v on_o it_o for_o christ_n never_o desert_n his_o friend_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o leave_v behind_o he_o some_o pledge_n and_o pawn_v of_o his_o return_n when_o christ_n be_v go_v all_o of_o christ_n be_v not_o go_v yea_o do_v he_o not_o frequent_o in_o his_o most_o salt_n and_o bitter_a desertion_n send_v now_o and_o then_o a_o messenger_n or_o love-token_n at_o least_o some_o invisible_a support_n and_o insensible_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v not_o total_o leave_v such_o soul_n but_o will_v ere_o long_o return_v again_o be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o great_a office_n of_o faith_n to_o banish_v all_o these_o groundless_a jealousy_n surmise_n and_o misreport_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o maintain_v high_a and_o candid_a thought_n of_o he_o in_o all_o his_o retirement_n alas_o what_o be_v faith_n but_o a_o high_a noble_a generous_a and_o candid_a estime_fw-fr of_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v as_o low_a estime_fw-fr of_o
divine_a justice_n and_o have_v not_o a_o farthing_n to_o pay_v his_o debt_n be_v drag_v to_o prison_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o law_n now_o while_o in_o prison_n there_o be_v a_o motion_n make_v by_o the_o king_n son_n christ_n that_o if_o the_o soul_n will_v espouse_v he_o for_o her_o husband_n he_o will_v pay_v all_o her_o debt_n this_o be_v good_a news_n indeed_o what_o will_v the_o son_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o conjugal_a contract_n and_o friendship_n with_o such_o a_o sinful_a beggarly_a wretch_n as_o i_o be_o oh_o who_o will_v refuse_v such_o a_o good_a motion_n content_a the_o bargain_n be_v make_v etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o sinner_n be_v first_o drive_v into_o strait_n yea_o to_o self-despair_n for_o such_o proud_a beggar_n be_v we_o all_o by_o nature_n as_o that_o no_o one_o ever_o attend_v to_o the_o woo_n of_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o a_o holy_a self-despair_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n but_o then_o be_v invite_v and_o woo_v by_o christ_n he_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o espouse_v he_o as_o a_o friend_n and_o husband_n and_o the_o more_o familiar_a acquaintance_n and_o conversation_n he_o have_v with_o christ_n the_o more_o be_v he_o satisfy_v in_o his_o choice_n of_o he_o so_o that_o whereas_o at_o first_o he_o be_v fire_v out_o of_o self_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o force_v to_o go_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o his_o physician_n or_o as_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n to_o the_o king_n son_n christ_n more_o pute_v strain_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n to_o beg_v his_o life_n yet_o now_o he_o see_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o he_o shall_v love_v and_o embrace_v christ_n now_o he_o can_v cry_v shame_n upon_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o espouse_v christ_n now_o all_o his_o life_n and_o happiness_n lie_v wrap_v up_o in_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o fear_v no_o great_a hell_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v no_o great_a heaven_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n though_o at_o first_o they_o espouse_v christ_n in_o order_n to_o life_n yet_o after_o some_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o contemplation_n of_o his_o ravish_a glory_n as_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o they_o then_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o life_n be_v hide_v in_o he_o so_o that_o his_o presence_n make_v a_o young_a heaven_n and_o his_o absence_n hel._n and_o this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o lord_n in_o much_o wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n keep_v many_o of_o his_o elect_a friend_n person_n the_o lord_n keep_v many_o of_o his_o elect_n long_o under_o bondage_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o more_o full_a choice_n of_o christ_n person_n a_o long_a time_n under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n labour_v and_o groan_v under_o a_o dry_a wither_a parch_a hard_a and_o dead_a heart_n namely_o to_o drive_v they_o more_o thorough_o out_o of_o themselves_o to_o a_o full_a close_n with_o the_o person_n of_o their_o lord_n that_o so_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o derive_v all_o grace_n from_o he_o for_o poor_a soul_n under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o soul-trouble_n chief_o mind_v the_o affectionate_a working_n and_o thence_o the_o ease_n and_o quiet_a of_o their_o own_o spirit_n more_o than_o the_o espouse_v of_o and_o depend_v on_o christ_n their_o lord_n wherefore_o in_o much_o pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o elect_a christ_n oft_o keep_v they_o long_o under_o fruitless_a conflict_n and_o vain_a attemt_n of_o their_o own_o barren_a bewildered_a freeze_a heart_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o happy_a self-despair_n in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o complete_a entire_a election_n of_o he_o as_o their_o husband_n and_o best_a friend_n for_o himself_o whence_o also_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o mortal_a wound_n and_o plague_n of_o so_o many_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n christ_n the_o plague_n of_o false_a friend_n be_v that_o they_o close_v not_o with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o may_v and_o oft_o do_v go_v very_o far_o in_o the_o election_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o priest_n prophet_n and_o king_n yea_o and_o receive_v many_o amicable_a love-token_n from_o he_o yea_o now_o and_o then_o a_o friendly_a visit_n and_o smile_v of_o his_o countenance_n yea_o some_o goodly_a ornament_n of_o commun_n gift_n and_o grace_n yea_o some_o commun_n assistance_n influence_n enlargement_n and_o quickening_n of_o heart_n in_o duty_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n never_o come_v to_o any_o real_a conjugal_a amity_n with_o he_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o prodigious_a monstrous_a miscarriage_n why_o here_o lie_v the_o core_n and_o malignant_a root_n of_o this_o inveterate_a plague-sore_n such_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n be_v sting_v and_o gall_v with_o divine_a wrath_n may_v close_o with_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n as_o their_o priest_n that_o so_o by_o his_o wound_n and_o righteousness_n their_o stripe_n may_v be_v heal_v that_o so_o his_o blood_n may_v be_v apply_v as_o a_o balsam_n to_o their_o wound_n that_o so_o his_o merit_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o payment_n of_o their_o debt_n yea_o they_o may_v come_v unto_o he_o as_o their_o prophet_n and_o shepherd_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o this_o their_o labyrinth_n and_o wildernes-condition_n yea_o far_o they_o may_v come_v unto_o he_o as_o their_o king_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o rule_v their_o person_n but_o also_o very_o far_o to_o destroy_v their_o lust_n at_o least_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o good_a order_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v as_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n to_o prick_v and_o gall_n their_o conscience_n thus_o far_o i_o say_v may_v a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n proceed_v in_o the_o election_n of_o he_o and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o a_o conjugal_a close_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n continue_v a_o real_a enemy_n to_o he_o by_o all_o this_o we_o see_v of_o what_o moment_n and_o weight_n it_o be_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n elect_v his_o person_n but_o more_o of_o this_o in_o what_o follow_v sect_n 6._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o elect_a his_o spirit_n also_o for_o their_o friend_n 5._o spirit_n 5._o election_n of_o christ_n spirit_n such_o as_o will_v contract_v friendship_n with_o christ_n must_v also_o elect_v his_o spirit_n for_o their_o friend_n christ_n spirit_n be_v not_o only_o the_o same_o in_o essence_n with_o himself_o but_o also_o his_o viear-general_a vicegerent_n and_o deputy_n among_o his_o friend_n in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o the_o church_n they_o therefore_o that_o will_v espouse_v christ_n for_o their_o friend_n must_v in_o like_a manner_n espouse_v his_o spirit_n as_o his_o substitute_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o govern_v influence_n and_o conduct_v they_o till_o they_o arrive_v to_o the_o immediate_a and_o perfect_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o bless_a deity_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o yet_o in_o their_o nonage_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o his_o spirit_n as_o their_o tutor_n and_o advocate_n so_o joh._n 14.16_o 17._o 17._o joh._n 14.16_o 17._o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 221._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vox_fw-la est_fw-la attica_n quae_fw-la significantur_fw-la illi_fw-la quos_fw-la in_o periculo_fw-la accersimus_fw-la ut_fw-la nobis_fw-la adsint_fw-la consilio_fw-la qui_fw-la iidem_fw-la advocati_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la non_fw-la litigent_fw-la in_o soro_fw-la nostro_fw-la nomine_fw-la camero_n fol._n 221._o which_o signify_v such_o a_o comforter_n or_o advocate_n as_o be_v ready_a in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n to_o advise_v counsel_n assist_v and_o encourage_v we_o the_o tutor_n according_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n be_v to_o be_v a_o defensor_fw-la or_o gardien_n of_o his_o pupil_n and_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o have_v tutor_n but_o such_o as_o be_v free_a pupil_n such_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v freeborn_a pupil_n leave_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o tuition_n inspection_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o they_o cheerful_o elect_v and_o submit_v unto_o we_o as_o christ_n delegate_n and_o commissioner_n to_o order_n direct_v protect_v and_o influence_n their_o soul_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n oppress_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o tyrannic_a boisterous_a lust_n then_o where_o shall_v they_o go_v but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o quell_v and_o subdue_v those_o proud_a lust_n so_o esa_fw-es 4.4_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o burn_a the_o blood_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v purge_v away_o be_v they_o weak_a and_o
character_n of_o a_o adulterous_a bastard_n friend_n such_o as_o will_v fain_o mediate_v a_o league_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o profess_a enemy_n as_o have_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v chap._n 3_o it_o be_v true_a only_o the_o elect_a while_n under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n aim_v at_o legal_a self_n only_o the_o elect_a of_o christ_n while_o under_o only_a a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n have_v a_o eye_n and_o regard_n to_o legal_a self_n only_o or_o main_o in_o all_o their_o treaty_n with_o christ_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v christ_n to_o pay_v their_o debt_n and_o engagement_n to_o the_o law_n they_o come_v to_o he_o as_o their_o physician_n to_o cure_v their_o disease_n and_o wound_n of_o conscience_n but_o they_o see_v not_o as_o yet_o need_v enough_o of_o or_o beauty_n enough_o in_o he_o to_o espouse_v he_o as_o their_o husband_n such_o a_o mercenary_a respect_n have_v they_o to_o christ_n who_o they_o desire_v only_o to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o legal-self_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n keep_v they_o in_o much_o mercy_n under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n '_o till_o they_o be_v divorce_v from_o this_o legal_a self_n but_o as_o for_o those_o self_n false_a friend_n of_o christ_n ruin_v by_o legal_a self_n who_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n god_n permit_v they_o and_o that_o deserve_o to_o split_v themselves_o on_o this_o fatal_a rock_n for_o albeit_o some_o convince_a sinner_n have_v lie_v long_o under_o dreadful_a terror_n and_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o sinful_a state_n even_o unto_o a_o hellish_a despair_n yet_o they_o never_o quit_v this_o legal_a self_n but_o all_o their_o treaty_n covenant_n and_o closing_n with_o christ_n be_v at_o best_a but_o to_o get_v a_o legal-righteousnes_n of_o their_o own_o this_o in_o some_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o apparent_a in_o other_o more_o refine_v and_o mix_v of_o law_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o galatian_n whereby_o such_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n under_o a_o pretention_n of_o amity_n with_o and_o dependence_n on_o christ_n real_o depend_v on_o and_o so_o be_v friend_n to_o none_o but_o legal_a self_n just_o like_o a_o bankrupt_a or_o break_a merchant_n who_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n for_o debt_n and_o have_v a_o good_a offer_n of_o marriage_n from_o a_o rich_a person_n be_v willing_a to_o marry_v she_o for_o her_o riches_n without_o the_o least_o love_n to_o her_o person_n etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o friendship_n of_o many_o awaken_v legal_a friend_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v content_a to_o espouse_v he_o thereby_o to_o get_v a_o stock_n of_o their_o own_o legal_a righteousness_n whereby_o they_o may_v pay_v their_o debt_n to_o the_o law_n and_o so_o get_v out_o of_o conscience_n prison_n without_o any_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n or_o faith_n in_o he_o this_o i_o call_v a_o mercenary_a legal_a amity_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o only_o adulterous_a and_o whorish_a but_o also_o a_o fatal_a instrument_n which_o most_o effectual_o ruin_v million_o of_o awaken_v sinner_n sect_n 3._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o elect_v he_o for_o the_o advance_v of_o a_o evangelic_n self-righteousnes_n 2._o self-righteousnes_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o elect_v he_o for_o a_o evangelic_n self-righteousnes_n propos_fw-fr the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o elect_v and_o close_a with_o he_o only_o to_o promote_v a_o evangelic_n self_n of_o their_o own_o evangelic_n righteousness_n and_o sufficience_n by_o evangelic_n self_n i_o understand_v all_o evangelic_n or_o gospel_n gift_n grace_n assistance_n quickning_n enlargement_n duty_n privilege_n peace_n joy_n and_o other_o sufficience_n so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o promote_v a_o self-righteousnes_n or_o self-dependence_n though_o never_o so_o seem_o evangelic_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a and_o miserable_a case_n of_o many_o evangelic_n and_o more_o refine_a hypocrite_n who_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o legal_a righteousness_n or_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v too_o know_v and_o sensible_a of_o their_o natural_a pravitie_n and_o daily_a excursion_n to_o sin_n to_o own_o any_o such_o legal-self_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o seem_a union_n to_o and_o amity_n with_o christ_n they_o have_v get_v a_o good_a stock_n of_o evangelick_n gift_n assistance_n duty_n comfort_n and_o other_o spiritual_a sufficience_n which_o they_o secret_o and_o perhaps_o unknowing_o cleave_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o notwithstanding_o their_o pretend_a adhere_v unto_o and_o depend_v on_o christ_n as_o their_o friend_n yea_o which_o be_v worse_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o seem_a amity_n with_o and_o dependence_n on_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o blind_a or_o engine_n the_o more_o efficacious_o to_o promote_v this_o their_o evangelic_n self-dependence_n this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o those_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n esa_n 48.1_o 2._o esa_n 48.1_o 2._o hear_v you_o this_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n i.e._n friend_n of_o god_n which_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n i._n e._n who_o bound_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n unto_o god_n but_o not_o in_o truth_n nor_o in_o righteousness_n how_o do_v that_o appear_v v._o 2._o for_o they_o call_v themselves_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n i.e._n they_o trust_v in_o their_o church-privilege_n and_o stay_v themselves_o upon_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n or_o gloriantur_fw-la or_o niti_fw-la se_fw-la gloriantur_fw-la they_o boast_v and_o glory_n that_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n they_o glory_v much_o in_o their_o dependence_n on_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v more_o insensible_o depend_v on_o themselves_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o number_n of_o evangelic_n and_o close_a hypocrite_n who_o pretend_v much_o dependence_n on_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a friend_n but_o yet_o real_o intend_v nothing_o but_o self-dependence_n who_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o evangelic_n assistance_n and_o commun_v grace_n receive_v from_o christ_n only_o to_o compose_v a_o evangelic_n interest_n or_o stock_n of_o self-sufficience_a in_o distinction_n from_o yea_o opposition_n to_o christ_n such_o a_o self-regard_n though_o never_o so_o seem_o evangelic_n and_o refine_a may_v be_v resolve_v into_o legal-self_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o the_o mother-root_n thereof_o and_o albeit_o it_o may_v pretend_v much_o friendship_n to_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o self-love_n and_o real_a enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a abomination_n that_o may_v be_v in_o his_o estime_fw-fr so_o curse_v be_v its_o root_n sect_n 4._o christ_n friend_n may_v not_o elect_v he_o mere_o for_o the_o sweet_a accident_n of_o his_o presence_n 3._o presence_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o elect_v he_o mere_o for_o the_o sweet_a accident_n of_o his_o presence_n prop._n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o elect_v he_o pure_o and_o sole_o for_o the_o sweet_a accident_n love-token_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o presence_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o liberal_a and_o free-hearted_a friend_n that_o ever_o be_v when_o or_o where_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o visit_v his_o friend_n he_o bring_v his_o good_a cheer_n and_o banquet_n with_o he_o as_o prov._n 9.1_o 2_o 3._o cant._n 5.1_o eat_v o_o friend_n drink_z yea_o drink_v abundant_o o_o belove_v now_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v and_o too_o oft_o do_v dote_v too_o much_o on_o these_o delicious_a treatment_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v make_v a_o idol_n of_o his_o very_a love-visit_n and_o sweet_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o the_o ring_n bracelet_n jewel_n and_o love-token_n of_o christ_n may_v sometime_o even_o by_o christ_n friend_n be_v too_o much_o dote_v on_o even_o to_o the_o neglect_n and_o disrespect_n of_o himself_o this_o preposterous_a dote_a love_n and_o friendship_n christ_n take_v very_o unkind_o and_o therefore_o he_o oft_o cure_v such_o imperfection_n in_o his_o friend_n by_o long_a absence_n withdrawment_n of_o love-embracement_n and_o bitter_a desertion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o value_v himself_o more_o than_o all_o the_o sweet_a accident_n or_o comfort_n of_o his_o presence_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o some_o feverish_a fit_n of_o love-madnes_n and_o distemper_n in_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o dote_v upon_o or_o idolise_v the_o love-token_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o still_o they_o retain_v the_o bend_v of_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o royal_a throne_n for_o christ_n himself_z and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n withdraw_v all_o love-visit_n from_o they_o yea_o though_o he_o may_v seem_v at_o time_n to_o turn_v against_o they_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o call_v they_o dog_n or_o the_o like_a yet_o they_o still_o follow_v he_o as_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n do_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o he_o
live_v in_o and_o derive_v all_o from_o the_o fountain_n when_o do_v the_o branch_n flourish_n and_o prosper_v more_o than_o when_o it_o live_v most_o in_o and_o upon_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o root_n be_v it_o thus_o the_o commun_n interest_n of_o all_o depend_v being_n to_o live_v upon_o their_o principle_n of_o dependence_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n friend_n to_o elect_v and_o live_v upon_o he_o their_o root_n head_n fountain_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o dependence_n alas_o shall_v not_o christ_n every_o moment_n inspire_v and_o infuse_v new_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o actual_a grace_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o friend_n how_o soon_o will_v all_o their_o habitual_a grace_n wither_v and_o die_v away_o do_v not_o all_o habitual_a grace_n both_o as_o to_o quality_n and_o quantity_n or_o measure_n depend_v whole_o on_o the_o divine_a infusion_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o also_o all_o the_o effusion_n and_o respiration_n or_o exercice_n of_o grace_n whole_o dependent_a on_o and_o proportion_v to_o christ_n gracious_a infusion_n and_o inspiration_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hence_o safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o gracious_a life_n force_n and_o act_n of_o christ_n friend_n have_v a_o absolute_a and_o immediate_a dependence_n on_o christ_n their_o most_o noble_a and_o best_a self_n true_o indeed_o christ_n be_v not_o their_o very_a self_n they_o be_v not_o christed_a and_o goded_a as_o some_o blasphemous_o dream_n but_o yet_o be_v he_o not_o his_o friend_n next_o self_n yea_o their_o most_o laudable_a noble_a and_o best_a self_n alas_o what_o be_v they_o out_o of_o christ_n but_o a_o poor_a wither_a barren_a weak_a emty_n hungry_a base_a ignoble_a naked_a nothing_o where_o lie_v their_o riches_n beauty_n honour_n food_n raiment_n liberty_n delight_n life_n perfection_n and_o all_o but_o in_o christ_n do_v not_o this_o sufficient_o evince_n that_o it_o be_v their_o chief_a interest_n to_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n sect_n 2._o the_o very_a act_n of_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a interest_n of_o his_o friend_n so_o to_o act_v 2._o be_v 2._o demonst_a from_o the_o act_n of_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o which_o be_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n do_v most_o advance_v himself_o namely_o his_o spiritual_a best_a self_n by_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o be_v far_a evident_a from_o the_o act_n itself_o every_o be_v do_v then_o most_o act_n for_o and_o promote_v it_o self_n when_o the_o act_v it_o put_v forth_o be_v most_o perfective_a of_o its_o nature_n now_o what_o act_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o perfective_a of_o human_a nature_n than_o the_o election_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o natural_a 1._o most_o natural_a 1._o the_o more_o natural_a any_o act_n be_v the_o more_o perfective_a be_v they_o of_o that_o nature_n unto_o which_o they_o appertain_v and_o what_o more_o natural_a to_o human_a nature_n consider_v in_o be_v pure_a natural_n than_o to_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o do_v not_o the_o philosopher_n determine_v that_o plato_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n item_n optimus_fw-la motus_fw-la est_fw-la in_o seipso_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la seipso_fw-la quia_fw-la talis_fw-la est_fw-la rationali_fw-la naturae_fw-la cognatissinus_fw-la plato_n self-motion_n be_v most_o natural_a to_o a_o rational_a be_v and_o who_o move_v more_o natural_o in_o himself_o than_o he_o that_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o it_o be_v true_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n this_o be_v a_o preternatural_a and_o force_a motion_n the_o animal_n or_o natural_a man_n as_o now_o degenerate_v see_v no_o beauty_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o natural_a disposition_n to_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o ay_o but_o to_o adam_n who_o be_v clothe_v with_o pure_a nature_n it_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o elect_v god_n for_o himself_o and_o so_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o their_o nature_n be_v renew_v bradward_n renew_v actus_fw-la naturalissimus_fw-la animae_fw-la est_fw-la inhaerere_fw-la deo_fw-la bradward_n what_o can_v be_v more_o natural_a than_o to_o elect_v and_o cleave_v to_o christ_n for_o himself_o be_v not_o christ_n as_o god-man_n more_o intimate_a to_o his_o friend_n than_o the_o most_o intimate_a part_n of_o themselves_o 108._o themselves_o qui_fw-fr à _fw-fr deo_fw-la ut_fw-la ultimo_fw-la fiaâ—_n &_o primo_fw-la principio_fw-la movetur_fw-la à _fw-la seipso_fw-la &_o in_o seipso_fw-la movetur_fw-la gib_n de_fw-fr libert_n pag._n 28_o 29_o 85_o 103_o 108._o and_o be_v they_o not_o then_o move_v in_o and_o towards_o themselves_o when_o they_o move_v in_o and_o towards_o christ_n for_o himself_o again_o what_o more_o natural_a to_o the_o will_n than_o act_v of_o love_n and_o be_v not_o the_o election_n of_o and_o adhesion_n to_o christ_n for_o himself_o the_o most_o sovereign_a and_o noble_a strain_n of_o love_n yea_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o invincible_o and_o intimate_o the_o will_n be_v love_n be_v allure_v and_o draw_v to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o himself_o be_v it_o not_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o â—ure_a spiritual_fw-la free_a perfect_a and_o natural_a so_o great_a be_v the_o sympathy_n betwixt_o the_o renew_a nature_n in_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n himself_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o psalmist_n â—ries_v out_o psal_n 73.28_o 73.28_o ps_n 73.28_o but_o it_o be_v good_a or_o most_o natural_a and_o best_a for_o i_o who_o be_o a_o friend_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fetter_v chain_v and_o glue_v to_o god_n as_o my_o best_a friend_n oh_o how_o please_a and_o natural_a be_v this_o 2._o lively_a 2._o most_o live_v and_o lively_a to_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o be_v perfective_a of_o human_a nature_n and_o so_o most_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o true_a spiritual_a self_n because_o its_o the_o most_o live_a and_o lively_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o human_a soul_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v as_o a_o self-moving_a so_o a_o anim._n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joan._n grammat_n in_o arist_n anim._n ever-moving_a principle_n now_o look_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_a the_o self-motion_n and_o ever-motion_n of_o any_o be_v be_v by_o so_o much_o more_o perfect_a be_v its_o life_n for_o according_a to_o the_o philosopher_n 4._o philosopher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n eth._n l._n c._n 4._o to_o act_v well_o be_v to_o live_v well_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_a the_o manner_n of_o our_o act_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_a be_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o this_o election_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o the_o most_o perfect_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n live_v a_o more_o generous_a noble_a divine_a life_n than_o by_o continue_a election_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n their_o best_a friend_n thus_o christ_n iâ—_n that_o great_a evangelic_n invitation_n he_o make_v to_o sinner_n glass_n esa_n 55.3_o vita_fw-la pro_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la faelicitate_fw-la &_o vigore_fw-la accipitur_fw-la glass_n esa_n 55.3_o say_v that_o such_o as_o elect_v he_o for_o himself_o and_o feed_v on_o he_o shall_v live_v i._n e._n lead_v a_o most_o noble_a generous_a delicious_a prosperous_a satisfactory_a yea_o divine_a life_n for_o life_n be_v oft_o in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o here_o puâ—_n for_o the_o tranquillity_n vigour_n and_o felicity_n oâ—_n life_n 69.32_o ps_n 69.32_o the_o like_a psal_n 69.32_o and_o your_o heaâ—_n shall_v live_v that_o seek_v god_n i._n e._n you_o that_o seeâ—_n elect_v and_o enjoy_v christ_n for_o himself_o oâ—_n what_o vigorous_a manlike_o yea_o divine_a life_n shâ—â—_n you_o live_v how_o lively_a and_o spriteful_o will_v your_o soul_n move_v and_o act_v aquinas_n act_v unumquodque_fw-la vivens_fw-la ostenaitur_fw-la vivere_fw-la ex_fw-la operatione_n sibi_fw-la propria_fw-la ad_fw-la quam_fw-la inclinatur_fw-la aquinas_n do_v not_o the_o life_n of_o every_o creature_n put_v forth_o and_o discover_v itself_o most_o in_o that_o act_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o its_o nature_n pure_o consider_v and_o what_o act_n be_v there_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o renew_a nature_n of_o christ_n friend_n than_o the_o elect_n of_o and_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o himself_o do_v not_o this_o come_v near_a to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o bless_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o himself_o and_o may_v we_o expect_v a_o more_o perfect_a life_n than_o to_o live_v as_o god_n do_v sure_o no._n rational_a 3._o most_o rational_a 3_o to_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o be_v a_o act_n most_o perfective_a of_o human_a nature_n because_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a the_o life_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o human_a soul_n consist_v much_o in_o its_o rationalitie_n and_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o rational_a for_o the_o
15.16_o commendat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d â—â—um_o q-od_a à _fw-la se_fw-la aniâ—â—â—â—ae_fw-la sactur_n sit_fw-la initâ—um_fw-la â—ullis_fw-la â—_o so_o um_o iâ—_n sâ—_n ben_fw-mi factis_fw-la provocuâ—o_fw-la non_fw-la i_o â—leâ—istis_fw-la iâ—_n amicum_fw-la sed_fw-la ego_fw-la vos_fw-fr grot._n in_o â—oc_fw-la i._n e._n my_o election_n of_o you_o precede_v your_o election_n of_o i_o you_o can_v never_o have_v elect_v i_o have_v i_o not_o first_o pre-elected_n and_o pre-determined_n your_o heart_n in_o order_n thereto_o can_v corrupt_a nature_n abjure_v and_o abandon_v itself_o it_o be_v own_o wisdom_n will_n interest_n and_o dependence_n will_v it_o not_o be_v think_v a_o prodigious_a thing_n if_o a_o dead_a man_n shall_v take_v up_o his_o grave_n on_o his_o back_n and_o walk_v and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v all_o man_n by_o nature_n to_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a be_v there_o not_o a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o something_o and_o nothing_o and_o can_v any_o but_o infinite_a and_o omnipotent_a power_n reconcile_v extreme_n so_o infinite_o distant_a as_o something_o and_o nothing_o how_o then_o can_v this_o something_o of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v educe_v out_o of_o the_o confuse_v nothing_o of_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a creative_a power_n of_o god_n who_o call_v or_o make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o rom._n 9.25_o 6._o christ_n 6._o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n must_v christ_n be_v thus_o elect_v by_o his_o friend_n then_o hence_o conclude_v what_o monstrous_a contradiction_n many_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n lie_v under_o who_o be_v there_o so_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v but_o will_v fain_o be_v account_v a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o walk_v with_o christ_n according_a to_o those_o law_n of_o friendship_n which_o he_o have_v make_v essential_a to_o such_o a_o state_n be_v it_o not_o a_o flat_a contradiction_n in_o christianity_n for_o man_n to_o profess_v amity_n with_o christ_n and_o yet_o still_o to_o reserve_v secret_a haunt_n for_o some_o belove_a lust_n what!_o a_o friend_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o maintain_v secret_a dalliance_n and_o correspondence_n with_o his_o worst_a enemy_n self-love_n pride_n carnalitie_n or_o any_o other_o delilah_n a_o friend_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o a_o friend_n to_o the_o unrighteous_a mammon_n as_o avaritious_a as_o greedy_a of_o world_n good_n as_o any_o worldling_n a_o friend_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o selfish_n as_o narrow-hearted_n as_o much_o cling_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o those_o who_o be_v christ_n profess_a enemy_n a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o a_o secret_a if_o not_o open_a enemy_n to_o the_o saint_n his_o friend_n to_o his_o yoke_n cross_n sceptre_n or_o government_n and_o way_n a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o conformable_a to_o the_o lust_n humour_n maid_n or_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n as_o carnal_a sensualist_n a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o frothy_a as_o vain_a as_o sleight-spirited_n as_o wanton_a in_o discourse_n as_o the_o profane_a a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o passionate_a and_o furious_a on_o the_o least_o provocation_n as_o fraudulent_a and_o deceitful_a in_o thy_o deal_n as_o unfaithful_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o relation_n and_o duty_n of_o thy_o family_n as_o profane_v in_o thy_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o formal_a careless_a and_o inconstant_a in_o thy_o private_a devotion_n as_o regardless_o or_o indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o other_o who_o pretend_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o friendship_n with_o christ_n oh_o what_o infinite_a contradiction_n be_v these_o how_o be_v hell_n crowd_v with_o such_o friend_n of_o christ_n fie_o fie_o upon_o such_o friendship_n either_o resolve_v to_o quit_v the_o name_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o christ_n or_o else_o clothe_v thy_o name_n with_o somewhat_o that_o be_v better_a than_o a_o mere_a name_n and_o more_o real_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o thing_n thou_o lay_v claim_v unto_o 7._o he_o how_o far_o some_o may_v go_v as_o to_o seem_a friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o real_a enemy_n to_o he_o this_o far_a inform_v we_o that_o many_o awaken_v terrify_v illuminate_v gify_v and_o formal_a professor_n may_v arrive_v to_o high_a elevation_n and_o raisure_n of_o commun_n friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v indeed_o no_o real_a friend_n but_o enemy_n to_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o he_o mark_v 12.34_o 12.31_o mark_n 12.31_o and_o when_o jesus_n see_v that_o he_o answer_v discrete_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o be_v very_o near_o to_o divine_a amity_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o gift_n illumination_n commun_n affection_n and_o morality_n and_o yet_o very_o far_o off_o from_o any_o cordial_a entire_a and_o throughout_o embracement_n of_o a_o single_a complete_a christ_n for_o himself_o it_o be_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o dreadful_a consideration_n for_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o generation_n to_o consider_v how_o near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n many_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n have_v come_v in_o this_o age_n what_o strong_a and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o sin_n they_o have_v have_v what_o tremblement_n and_o earthquake_n of_o conscience_n they_o have_v lie_v under_o how_o much_o and_o how_o long_o they_o have_v be_v wound_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n how_o far_o their_o heart_n have_v be_v purge_v from_o many_o gross_a yea_o some_o more_o refine_a corruption_n what_o a_o stock_n of_o evangelick_n gift_n and_o commun_v grace_n they_o have_v attain_v unto_o what_o affectionate_a desire_n they_o have_v seem_v to_o have_v towards_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n discipline_n minister_n truth_n worship_n member_n and_o way_n how_o far_o they_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o celestial_a gift_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v heb._n 6.4_o 5._o what_o solemn_a covenant_n they_o have_v make_v with_o christ_n and_o last_o how_o far_o they_o have_v walk_v with_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o crooked_a double_a heart_n in_o seem_v way_n of_o friendship_n i_o say_v to_o consider_v how_o near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n many_o such_o pretend_a friend_n of_o christ_n have_v come_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o approve_a themselves_o open_a enemy_n to_o he_o oh_o what_o a_o terrible_a what_o a_o soul-confounding_a what_o a_o heart-bleeding_a consideration_n be_v or_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v to_o the_o profess_a friend_n of_o christ_n this_o day_n what_o heart_n be_v there_o if_o not_o adamantine_a and_o obdurate_a but_o tremble_v at_o such_o thought_n how_o shall_v these_o sad_a yea_o prodigious_a spectacle_n of_o apostasy_n fill_v we_o all_o with_o a_o godly_a fear_n holy_a awe_n and_o self-jelousie_n let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 8._o christ_n 8._o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o miscarry_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o friendship_n with_o christ_n hence_o also_o we_o be_v teach_v how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o miscarry_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o profess_a friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v there_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o real_a amity_n with_o christ_n must_v there_o be_v a_o part_n with_o all_o belove_a idol_n be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o bid_v adicu_n to_o all_o old_a lover_n whether_o sin_n self_n the_o world_n or_o law_n be_v this_o the_o first_o fundamental_a law_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o espouse_v a_o single_a complete_a christ_n for_o himself_o and_o with_o a_o single_a complete_a heart_n oh_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o then_o to_o miscarry_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o friendship_n with_o christ_n believe_v it_o the_o least_o flaw_n or_o error_n in_o our_o first_o closing_n with_o christ_n be_v fundamental_a whence_o proceed_v the_o great_a hypocrisy_n and_o apostasy_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n but_o from_o some_o practic_a error_n mistake_v or_o defect_n in_o their_o first_o election_n of_o and_o amity_n with_o christ_n friendship_n il_fw-mi begin_v can_v never_o end_v well_o he_o that_o begin_v but_o a_o almost_o friend_n will_v end_v a_o altogether-enemie_n of_o christ_n 9_o he_o 9_o much_o seem_a friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o real_a enmity_n to_o he_o this_o instruct_v we_o also_o that_o much_o of_o that_o which_o pass_v for_o good_a friendship_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o truth_n but_o real_a enmity_n against_o christ_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n oh_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o be_v friend_n of_o christ_n in_o profession_n and_o yet_o enemy_n to_o he_o in_o affection_n at_o lest_o in_o the_o bent_n of_o their_o heart_n ah_o alas_o how_o be_v
christ_n withal_o mat._n 25.1_o be_v not_o jehu_n seem_o fill_v with_o zele_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n against_o baal_n priest_n and_o idol_n do_v not_o saul_n and_o ahab_n mourn_v under_o the_o displeasure_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n oh_o what_o serious_a spirit_n tremble_v not_o at_o this_o 6_o prop._n christ_n 6._o as_o to_o union_n with_o christ_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v come_v unto_o some_o seem_a union_n with_o christ_n do_v not_o christ_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o dead_a branch_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o seem_a implantation_n into_o and_o union_n with_o he_o 15.2_o joh._n 15.2_o joh._n 15.2_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v not_o a_o physic_n or_o hyper-physick_n supernatural_a and_o real_a union_n of_o continuitie_n or_o spiritual_a inhesion_n in_o christ_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o mathematic_a superficial_a and_o seem_a union_n of_o contiguitie_n with_o or_o adhesion_n to_o christ_n they_o touch_v christ_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o a_o dead_a fruitless_a branch_n to_o the_o vine_n although_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o gracious_a and_o special_a inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o may_v they_o not_o be_v under_o some_o commun_n illapse_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o heb._n 6.4_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 7_o prop._n image_n 7._o as_o to_o christ_n image_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v some_o sleight_n touch_v and_o stroke_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n some_o first_o line_n superficial_a impress_n or_o stamp_n of_o commun_n grace_n on_o his_o heart_n we_o may_v not_o say_v or_o conceit_n as_o some_o that_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v true_a save_a grace_n no_o this_o destroy_v god_n 〈◊〉_d the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o may_v late_o conclude_v that_o he_o may_v and_o oft_o do_v attain_v unto_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o commun_n grace_n which_o have_v a_o mighty_a ressemblance_n with_o save_v grace_n and_o therefore_o can_v very_o hardly_o by_o human_a estimation_n be_v distinguish_v therefrom_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o god_n give_v saul_n another_o heart_n though_o not_o a_o new_a heart_n 1_o sam._n 10.9_o do_v not_o many_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o gal._n 3.3_o 8_o prop._n obedience_n 8._o as_o to_o active_a obedience_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v give_v a_o partial_a hypocritick_n subjection_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 5._o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n shall_v arrive_v unto_o a_o visible_a form_n of_o godliness_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n or_o truth_n thereof_o yea_o continue_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n have_v we_o not_o have_v dreadful_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o these_o last_o perilous_a day_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o have_v sometime_o shine_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o now_o like_o meteor_n or_o blaze_a comet_n lie_v bury_v in_o the_o ash_n of_o their_o burn_a profession_n o_o tremble_v tremble_v at_o this_o you_o english_a professor_n 9_o prop._n obedience_n 9_o as_o to_o passive_a obedience_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v yield_v not_o only_a hypocritick_n active_a obedience_n to_o christ_n law_n but_o also_o some_o passive_a obedience_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a considerable_a degree_n do_v not_o paul_n 13.22_o mat._n 13.22_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o suppose_v that_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v or_o die_v a_o martyr_n for_o christ_n and_o yet_o want_v divine_a charity_n or_o true_a amity_n for_o christ_n how_o far_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v with_o courage_n suffer_v persecution_n for_o christ_n seem_v lively_o illustrate_v mat._n 13.22_o by_o the_o thorny_a ground_n which_o be_v more_o generous_a than_o the_o stony_a ground_n in_o that_o it_o bear_v a_o scorch_a day_n of_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o thorn_n or_o care_n of_o the_o world_n choke_v the_o corn_n when_o it_o come_v near_o to_o harvest_n have_v we_o not_o have_v sad_a exemple_n of_o this_o also_o in_o this_o our_o age_n how_o many_o professor_n have_v pass_v through_o a_o bitter_a winter_n of_o persecution_n with_o courage_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o be_v blast_v with_o a_o sunshine_n day_n of_o prosperity_n or_o worldly_a care_n and_o comfort_n 10_o prop._n christ_n 10._o as_o to_o dependence_n a_o christ_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o seem_a dependence_n on_o christ_n both_o for_o providential_a ministerial_a and_o gracious_a influence_n do_v not_o saul_n consult_v and_o wait_v on_o the_o divine_a oracle_n 1_o sam._n 13.9_o 13_o be_v it_o not_o say_v of_o some_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n 48.2_o esa_n 48.2_o esa_n 48.2_o that_o they_o stay_v themselves_o on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n i._o e._n they_o presume_v and_o glory_v much_o in_o their_o dependence_n on_o christ_n though_o they_o real_o depend_v on_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n they_o conceit_n they_o depend_v on_o christ_n but_o real_o depend_v on_o this_o their_o own_o fond_a conceit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n of_o a_o world_n of_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n o_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 11_o prop._n service_n 11._o as_o to_o assistance_n and_o service_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v receive_v great_a assistance_n from_o christ_n and_o do_v great_a service_n for_o he_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n of_o judas_n do_v he_o not_o do_v many_o miracle_n and_o perhaps_o awaken_v if_o not_o convert_v some_o soul_n oh_o what_o assistance_n and_o enlargement_n in_o duty_n what_o divine_a benediction_n on_o their_o labour_n have_v many_o minister_n who_o yet_o never_o be_v real_a friend_n of_o christ_n receive_v from_o he_o 12._o praise_n 12._o as_o to_o praise_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v return_v unto_o he_o some_o acknowledgement_n for_o divine_a assistance_n or_o other_o mercy_n receive_v so_o luk._n 5.26_o and_o they_o be_v all_o amaze_v and_o glorify_a god_n i._n e._n for_o what_o they_o have_v see_v of_o his_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v 13._o 38._o 13._o as_o to_o communion_n of_o saint_n exo._n 12_o 38._o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v adhere_v very_o close_o to_o the_o more_o pure_a ordinance_n administration_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n thus_o exod._n 12.38_o we_o find_v mention_n of_o a_o mix_a people_n who_o go_v up_o with_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o endure_v some_o difficulty_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o at_o last_o they_o fall_v off_o as_o leaf_n in_o autumn_n and_o return_v back_o again_o to_o egypt_n as_o numb_a 11.4_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a contemplation_n for_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n thus_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n consociate_v with_o the_o wise_a mat._n 25.1_o 14._o 27._o 14._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o christ_n luke_n 13.26_o 27._o yea_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v arrive_v to_o some_o measure_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n this_o seem_v the_o case_n of_o those_o presumptuous_a confident_n luk._n 13.26_o we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n eat_v and_o drink_v together_o denote_v familiar_a conversation_n and_o friendly_a communion_n they_o have_v oft_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o christ_n at_o his_o communion_n table_n and_o this_o make_v they_o mighty_a confident_a of_o their_o amity_n with_o christ_n but_o yet_o christ_n reject_v they_o as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n v._o 27._o shall_v not_o this_o consideration_n make_v every_o vein_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o tremble_v 15._o glory_n 15._o as_o to_o prelibation_n of_o glory_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v arrive_v unto_o some_o labial_a sip_v some_o superficial_a taste_n of_o the_o celestial_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o come_v this_o seem_v couch_v in_o that_o supposition_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v some_o labial_a prelibation_n of_o come_v glory_n arise_v from_o some_o commun_n illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o least_o taste_n of_o those_o spiritual_a suavity_n and_o satisfy_a sweetness_n which_o the_o real_a friend_n of_o christ_n find_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o whereby_o their_o lust_n after_o other_o thing_n be_v quench_v as_o joh._n 4.14_o whereas_o the_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n never_o drink_v a_o full_a draught_n but_o have_v only_o some_o sip_v of_o divine_a suavity_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 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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 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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 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gain_v courage_n by_o all_o her_o scoff_n and_o cry_v out_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v vile_a i_o will_v be_v more_o vile_a yet_o true_a friendship_n gain_v force_v and_o strength_n by_o opposition_n the_o more_o its_o conformity_n to_o christ_n be_v oppose_v the_o more_o zealous_a and_o active_a be_v it_o therein_o again_o do_v christ_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n humble_a himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a even_o to_o the_o death_n o_o then_o how_o lowly_a how_o humble_o how_o self-abased_o shall_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n walk_v 2.5_o phil._n 2.5_o this_o be_v well_o improve_v by_o paul_n phil._n 2.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o have_v v._n 3_o 4._o exhort_v they_o to_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n he_o bring_v christ_n humility_n and_o self-denial_n as_o a_o copy_n and_o pattern_n v._o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v christ_n so_o humble_a and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o shame_n that_o christian_n who_o profess_v friendship_n with_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o stately_a so_o proud_a it_o be_v a_o good_a observation_n of_o divine_n that_o christ_n human_a nature_n though_o clothe_v with_o so_o much_o glory_n be_v the_o humble_a creature_n that_o ever_o be_v o_o then_o what_o a_o prodigious_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o our_o black_a nature_n which_o be_v clothe_v with_o so_o much_o deformity_n and_o stuff_v out_o with_o so_o much_o malignity_n and_o venom_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v so_o proud_a as_o they_o be_v think_v on_o this_o and_o ever_o more_o abhor_v pride_n so_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a conversation_n the_o exemple_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o sovereign_n motive_n as_o also_o a_o universal_a idea_n and_o copy_n of_o his_o friend_n imitation_n will_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v about_o any_o irregular_a undertakement_n consider_v will_v christ_n if_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n do_v so_o and_o so_o be_v this_o become_v the_o dignity_n of_o that_o amity_n i_o profess_v towards_o christ_n will_v this_o please_v my_o lord_n do_v i_o herein_o imitate_v that_o copy_n and_o pattern_n he_o have_v set_v i_o i_o say_v will_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n thus_o reason_n and_o argue_v themselves_o into_o a_o imitation_n of_o and_o conformity_n to_o christ_n how_o harmonious_a beautiful_a visible_a flourish_a and_o efficacious_a will_v their_o friendship_n be_v but_o ah_o alas_o how_o far_o short_a of_o conformity_n to_o and_o imitation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n that_o admirable_a and_o most_o glorious_a miroir_n of_o sanctity_n do_v many_o profess_a friend_n of_o christ_n come_v yea_o have_v not_o the_o best_a of_o christ_n friend_n great_a cause_n to_o be_v daily_o humble_v and_o ashamed_a of_o their_o defect_n as_o to_o this_o piece_n of_o divine_a conformity_n sect_n 6._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v aspire_v after_o more_o intimate_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o ordinance_n duty_n providential_a occurrence_n and_o creature-injoyments_a 6._o christ_n 6._o advice_n for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v aspire_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o a_o more_o intimatt_n deep_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o ordinance_n duty_n providential_a occurrence_n and_o creature-injoyments_a this_o admonition_n and_o advice_n be_v of_o grand_a moment_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fulfil_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o relation_n and_o dignity_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n for_o all_o friendship_n imply_v union_n and_o communion_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o strict_a spiritual_a and_o deep_a this_o union_n and_o communion_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_a will_v the_o friendship_n be_v where_o god_n implant_v a_o gracious_a sympathy_n and_o strict_a amity_n betwixt_o two_o soul_n there_o be_v such_o a_o intimate_a union_n and_o communion_n as_o that_o no_o separation_n or_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o time_n can_v make_v a_o breach_n thereon_o but_o it_o be_v still_o maintain_v in_o all_o absence_n of_o the_o person_n by_o mean_n invisible_a as_o much_o as_o or_o more_o than_o other_o union_n and_o communion_n be_v by_o the_o most_o potent_a and_o visible_a mean_n and_o thence_o moses_n deut._n 13.6_o make_v the_o union_n of_o friend_n to_o be_v the_o high_a among_o man_n even_o as_o that_o with_o thy_o own_o soul_n but_o now_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n we_o shall_v speak_v 1._o christ_n 1._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v confirm_v and_o improve_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n of_o that_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o his_o friend_n ought_v daily_o to_o aspire_v after_o all_o true_a friendship_n whether_o natural_a civil_a or_o divine_a consist_v in_o union_n or_o rather_o unity_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o intimate_a and_o deep_a the_o union_n or_o unity_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o inviolable_a and_o complete_a be_v the_o friendship_n 91._o friendship_n a_o dionysio_n dicitur_fw-la quod_fw-la amor_fw-la est_fw-la unitiva_fw-la virtus_fw-la quanto_fw-la ergo_fw-la id_fw-la unde_fw-la amans_fw-la est_fw-la unâ—m_fw-la cum_fw-la amato_fw-la est_fw-la majus_fw-la tanto_fw-la est_fw-la amor_fw-la intersior_fw-la &_o rursus_fw-la quanto_fw-la id_fw-la ex_fw-la quo_fw-la est_fw-la unio_fw-la est_fw-la magis_fw-la intimum_fw-la amanti_fw-la tanto_fw-la amor_fw-la est_fw-la firmior_fw-la aquinas_n contra_fw-la gent._n l._n 1._o c._n 91._o in_o civil_a amity_n that_o between_o conjugal_a relation_n be_v most_o entire_a and_o inseparable_a till_o death_n make_v a_o breach_n because_o the_o union_n or_o unity_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n be_v most_o intimate_a for_o these_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n one_o flesh_n gen._n 2.23_o ephes_n 5.28_o hence_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o this_o conjugal_a amity_n as_o a_o symbolic_a image_n or_o lively_a shadow_n of_o that_o conjugal_a union_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v between_o himself_o and_o his_o church_n ephes_n 5.32_o and_o indeed_o all_o other_o union_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o metaphor_n and_o shadow_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o friend_n hence_o therefore_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o more_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n confirm_v and_o improve_v this_o their_o conjugal_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o better_a friend_n to_o he_o will_v they_o approve_v themselves_o this_o amicable_a union_n with_o christ_n admit_v of_o a_o great_a latitude_n both_o of_o kind_n and_n degree_n wherein_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o make_v daily_o procedure_v in_o order_n to_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o amity_n with_o christ_n 1._o union_n 1._o relative_n union_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o relative_n union_n with_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v their_o public_a representative_a surety_n advocate_n commun_v head_n and_o husband_n this_o relative_n union_n they_o ought_v daily_o to_o improve_v in_o order_n to_o the_o justication_n of_o their_o person_n and_o sanctification_n of_o their_o nature_n do_v christ_n as_o a_o public_a person_n make_v himself_o a_o piaculum_fw-la and_o anathema_n or_o curse_v for_o his_o friend_n o_o then_o how_o shall_v they_o make_v themselves_o bless_v in_o he_o do_v he_o as_o their_o surety_n die_v for_o they_o shall_v not_o they_o then_o as_o poor_a bankrupt_n live_v in_o and_o upon_o he_o be_v not_o this_o paul_n ambition_n and_o life_n phil._n 3.9_o 10_o 2._o christ_n 2._o habitual_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o absolute_a and_o positive_a union_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v either_o habitual_a or_o actual_a 1._o habitual_a union_n with_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o divine_a habit_n of_o grace_n infuse_v by_o he_o now_o this_o habitual_a union_n be_v improve_v by_o a_o singular_a indulgent_a regard_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o immediate_a absolute_a total_a incessant_a dependence_n on_o he_o for_o all_o grace_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n inhabit_v and_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n friend_n o_o what_o a_o tender_a regard_n than_o shall_v these_o have_v to_o such_o a_o inmate_n how_o delicate_o and_o friendly_a shall_v they_o treat_v such_o a_o guest_n 2._o union_n 2._o actual_a union_n as_o for_o actual_a union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v either_o intellectual_a or_o moral_a 1._o intellectual_a 1._o intellectual_a intellectual_a union_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o those_o glorious_a idea_n or_o notion_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n whether_o contemplative_a or_o active_a which_o be_v impress_v on_o the_o mind_n for_o look_v as_o the_o eye_n have_v a_o ideal_o union_n with_o the_o sun_n or_o any_o other_o object_n by_o have_v its_o image_n impress_v on_o itself_o just_o so_o the_o believe_a mind_n have_v a_o ideal_o
abatement_n and_o remisness_n of_o our_o first_o love_n be_v exceed_o grievous_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n the_o physician_n tell_v we_o medic._n omnis_fw-la dolour_n ex_fw-la solutione_n continui_fw-la river_n prax._n medic._n that_o all_o grief_n in_o the_o body_n proceed_v from_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o continuum_fw-la if_o any_o bone_n be_v out_o of_o its_o place_n or_o any_o member_n rend_v from_o the_o body_n this_o can_v but_o cause_v grief_n in_o the_o head_n and_o whole_a body_n this_o hold_v most_o true_a here_o the_o backslide_a heart_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n it_o have_v leave_v its_o place_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v but_o great_o grieve_v christ_n thence_o we_o find_v christ_n sad_o complain_v of_o backslide_a israel_n 5._o jer._n 2.2_o 5._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 5._o what_o iniquity_n have_v your_o father_n find_v in_o i_o that_o they_o be_v go_v far_o from_o i_o &_o c_o oh_o this_o grieve_v christ_n to_o the_o heart_n it_o make_v he_o fetch_v many_o a_o deep_a sigh_n and_o groan_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n that_o those_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o conjugal_a amity_n with_o he_o shall_v turn_v aside_o from_o he_o to_o idol-lover_n so_o joh_n 6.67_o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o the_o twelve_o 6.67_o john_n 6.67_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o sublime_a sermon_n touch_v spiritual_a manducation_n or_o the_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n these_o be_v but_o enigme_n or_o hard_a say_n to_o the_o carnal_a jew_n they_o can_v not_o bear_v such_o spiritual_a mysterious_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o christ_n and_o bid_v he_o adieu_n yea_o some_o of_o his_o true_a disciple_n begin_v to_o shrink_v and_o hesitate_n wherefore_o christ_n turn_v short_a upon_o they_o with_o this_o sharp_a rebuke_n will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o what_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o friendship_n with_o i_o and_o have_v receive_v from_o i_o such_o signal_n marquis_n of_o love_n honour_n and_o favor_n who_o have_v have_v such_o particular_a regard_v and_o indulgence_n from_o i_o will_v you_o now_o leave_v i_o oh_o this_o break_v my_o heart_n i_o can_v bear_v so_o great_a unkindness_n who_o will_v ever_o have_v imagine_v that_o you_o my_o friend_n will_v have_v deal_v so_o unkind_o with_o i_o true_o indeed_o i_o never_o expect_v other_o usage_n from_o yond_o crowd_n of_o carnal_a friend_n be_v they_o go_v fare_v well_o to_o they_o i_o mind_v they_o as_o little_a as_o they_o mind_v i_o they_o can_v be_v more_o weary_a of_o i_o than_o i_o be_o weary_a of_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o unbelief_n but_o oh_o as_o for_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o have_v profess_v so_o much_o friendship_n to_o i_o and_o receive_v such_o high_a marquess_n of_o friendship_n from_o i_o it_o will_v deep_o wound_v my_o heart_n if_o you_o go_v away_o 2._o image_n 2._o christ_n friend_n must_v content_v he_o by_o grow_v up_o more_o into_o his_o image_n if_o we_o will_v give_v content_a to_o christ_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o grow_v up_o more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o ressemblance_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o like_a we_o be_v to_o christ_n the_o more_o content_a he_o take_v in_o we_o every_o one_o delight_n in_o the_o reflection_n of_o his_o own_o image_n god_n and_o christ_n take_v complacence_n in_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o the_o finite_a emanation_n and_o reflection_n of_o the_o same_o glorious_a image_n in_o their_o friend_n christ_n have_v a_o love_n of_o benevolence_n and_o goodwill_n for_o all_o the_o elect_n but_o his_o love_n of_o complacence_n and_o delight_n terminate_v no_o where_o but_o on_o the_o saint_n his_o regenerate_v friend_n and_o the_o more_o any_o friend_n of_o christ_n partake_v of_o his_o image_n the_o more_o delight_n christ_n take_v in_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a as_o grace_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v give_v christ_n more_o content_a 3._o self_n 3._o we_o must_v please_v christ_n by_o displease_v self_n christ_n be_v most_o content_v and_o please_v when_o self_n be_v most_o discontent_a and_o displease_v as_o when_o self_n be_v gratify_v christ_n be_v most_o disgu_v so_o the_o more_o we_o disgust_v yea_o abjure_v and_o abandon_v self_n whether_o natural_a moral_a or_o religious_a self_n the_o more_o we_o gratify_v and_o please_v christ_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o christ_n have_v not_o any_o enemy_n more_o diametric_o opposite_a than_o proud_a self_n self-wisdom_n self-conceit_n self-humor_n self-will_n self-interest_n self-force_n self-righteousnesses_a and_o other_o self-sufficiency_n wherefore_o the_o renunciation_n and_o abnegation_n of_o this_o monstrous_a idol_n self_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o contentsome_a and_o please_v to_o christ_n 4._o most_o 4._o flexibility_n towards_o christ_n content_v he_o most_o flexibility_n towards_o christ_n his_o sovereign_n will_n and_o grace_n give_v most_o content_a to_o he_o 22._o he_o amicitiae_fw-la propriâ—m_fw-la est_fw-la consâ—ntire_fw-la amicoâ—ia_fw-la he_o quae_fw-la vult_fw-la aquin._n contra_fw-la gent._n l._n 4._o c._n 22._o it_o be_v make_v a_o main_a propriety_n of_o friendship_n to_o consent_v to_o our_o friend_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v now_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v explicate_v to_o we_o in_o his_o precept_n promise_n and_o providence_n the_o two_o first_o express_v to_o we_o his_o revel_v legislative_a will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o do_v and_o believe_v the_o latter_a namely_o his_o providential_a will_n declare_v to_o we_o what_o god_n have_v decree_v by_o his_o secret_a will_n and_o so_o give_v we_o matter_n of_o submission_n and_o suffer_v now_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n friend_n shall_v be_v flexible_a to_o all_o these_o his_o will_n that_o iron_n sinew_n which_o be_v in_o proud_a will_n must_v be_v break_v that_o so_o it_o may_v fall_v in_o piece_n yea_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n at_o christ_n foot_n as_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n esa_n 41.2_o call_v he_o to_o his_o foot_n etc._n etc._n his_o will_n be_v so_o flexible_a as_o that_o it_o lay_v level_a with_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n our_o will_n natural_o be_v adamantine_a flinty_a and_o hard_o and_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o proud_a enemy_n out_o of_o hell_n than_o a_o obdurate_a inflexible_a wil._n grace_n alone_o make_v the_o will_n flexible_a the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v inflexible_a and_o stiff_a against_o all_o the_o blandissement_n and_o allurement_n of_o idol-friend_n but_o very_o flexible_a and_o pliable_a towards_o christ_n his_o will_n and_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 1._o providence_n 1._o towards_o christ_n will_n of_o precept_n and_o providence_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o flexible_a towards_o the_o sovereign_n will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n either_o preceptive_a or_o providential_a open_v or_o secret_a repugnance_n and_o rebellion_n against_o christ_n will_n of_o precept_n as_o also_o froward_a vexatious_a humour_n or_o pettish_a discontent_a murmur_n against_o his_o will_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o disgustful_a and_o displease_v unto_o christ_n christ_n friend_n be_v style_v 1_o pet._n 1.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1.14_o 1_o pet._n 1.14_o child_n of_o obedience_n or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v when_o ever_o or_o where_o ever_o christ_n have_v a_o mouth_n to_o speak_v either_o by_o word_n or_o providence_n a_o obedient_a flexible_a ear_n and_o heart_n opposite_a to_o these_o be_v colos_n 3.6_o child_n of_o disobedience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i.e._n such_o child_n as_o have_v insuasible_a inflexible_a ear_n or_o stiff_o hard_a disobedient_a heart_n that_o can_v comply_v with_o christ_n sovereign_n will_v of_o precept_n and_o providence_n 2._o spirit_n 2._o towards_o the_o gracious_a movement_n of_o christ_n spirit_n christ_n friend_n must_v be_v very_o flexible_a towards_o his_o promise_n term_n and_o spirit_n of_o grace_n christ_n vouchsafe_v his_o friend_n many_o secret_a sweet_a inspiration_n and_o gracious_a movement_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o reception_n and_o improvement_n whereof_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v very_o flexible_a spirit_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o obsequious_a to_o the_o spirit_n be_v motion_n as_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v very_o flexible_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a and_o sail_v while_o the_o wind_n blow_v the_o spirit_n say_v christ_n blow_v where_o he_o list_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n inspire_v or_o breathe_v in_o pious_a motion_n the_o heart_n must_v respire_v or_o breathe_v back_o pious_a affection_n towards_o christ_n
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 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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 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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 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recumbence_n at_o