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 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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 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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 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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 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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
he_o can_v have_v your_o heart_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v they_o under_o the_o want_n of_o allthing_n if_o his_o gracious_a and_o sweet_a visitation_n will_v not_o allure_v you_o his_o bitter_a and_o severe_a visitation_n shall_v drive_v you_o to_o he_o o_o then_o follow_v christ_n while_o in_o way_n of_o mercy_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o walk_v with_o he_o day_n by_o day_n in_o way_n of_o communion_n christ_n endeavour_n after_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o then_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v walk_v with_o you_o in_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n keep_v close_o to_o he_o in_o all_o time_n condition_n and_o state_n and_o he_o will_v keep_v close_o to_o you_o 1._o ordinance_n 1._o in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n maintain_v daily_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o duty_n and_o exercice_n of_o religion_n none_o live_v up_o to_o their_o dignity_n and_o duty_n as_o friend_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o eye_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o their_o religious_a duty_n and_o exercice_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v much_o with_o christ_n in_o duty_n religious_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n they_o be_v christ_n gallery_n wherein_o he_o be_v hold_v cant._n 7.5_o by_o his_o friend_n that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o therein_o but_o as_o for_o mere_a formal_a legal_a duty_n wherein_o christ_n be_v not_o mind_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n gallery_n wherein_o he_o be_v hold_v o_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v real_a and_o faithful_a friend_n of_o christ_n be_v sure_a you_o satisfy_v not_o yourselves_o with_o duty_n do_v unless_o you_o meet_v and_o enjoy_v christ_n therein_o 2_o occurrence_n 2._o in_o all_o providential_a occurrence_n if_o you_o will_v fulfil_v and_o walk_v up_o to_o your_o relation_n and_o dignity_n as_o friend_n of_o christ_n then_o maintain_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o all_o providential_a occurrence_n whether_o consolative_a or_o afflictive_a smile_v or_o frown_v remember_v that_o god_n providence_n be_v oft_o a_o good_a comment_n on_o his_o promise_n his_o work_n frequent_o expound_v and_o explain_v his_o word_n unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o his_o friend_n at_o least_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a will_v understand_v the_o same_o as_o also_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n shine_v therein_o 107.43_o psal_n 107.43_o as_o psal_n 107.43_o whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v those_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v discourse_v here_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o his_o wise_a friend_n will_v observe_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n when_o providence_n smile_v on_o they_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v thereby_o allure_v to_o he_o it_o suffice_v not_o they_o to_o enjoy_v mercy_n from_o christ_n unless_o they_o can_v enjoy_v christ_n in_o their_o mercy_n and_o then_o for_o afflictive_a frown_a providence_n if_o christ_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o withdraw_v comfort_n from_o they_o they_o must_v see_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o withdraw_v their_o heart_n from_o those_o comfort_n the_o less_o they_o enjoy_v of_o the_o creature_n the_o more_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o afflictive_a visitation_n a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o none_o usual_o prove_v more_o loyal_a friend_n of_o christ_n than_o such_o as_o have_v get_v the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o on_o the_o cross_n as_o christ_n be_v most_o exalt_v in_o spirit_n when_o crucify_v in_o the_o flesh_n so_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v endeavour_v conformity_n to_o he_o herein_o to_o live_v a_o sublime_a high_a elevate_a life_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o low_a condition_n as_o a_o humble_a self-abasing_a spirit_n great_o adorn_v a_o high_a condition_n so_o a_o exalt_a sublime_a high_a spirit_n or_o life_n of_o faith_n great_o adorn_v a_o low_a afflict_a condition_n in_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n 3._o good_n 3._o in_o creature-comfort_n and_o inferior_a good_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o all_o creature-comfort_n inferior_a relation_n and_o enjoyment_n christ_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o fruition_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n matter_n of_o use_n subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n nothing_o be_v good_a far_o than_o it_o come_v from_o christ_n heart_n and_o draw_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o o_o what_o rich_a and_o delicious_a life_n may_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n lead_v will_v they_o but_o eye_n and_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o all_o their_o creature-comfort_n i_o have_v know_v one_o and_o indeed_o a_o great_a friend_n of_o christ_n who_o i_o very_o believe_v enjoy_v more_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o gracious_a presence_n in_o his_o civil_a employment_n and_o creature-injoyments_a than_o many_o yea_o may_v i_o not_o say_v than_o most_o christian_n do_v in_o their_o most_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n o_o what_o may_v we_o enjoy_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o visible_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o creature-comfort_n have_v we_o but_o spiritual_a heart_n sect_n 7._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v make_v it_o their_o main_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v all_o the_o content_n that_o may_v be_v to_o christ_n 7._o be_v 7._o advice_n to_o give_v christ_n all_o the_o content_a that_o may_v be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o main_n yea_o only_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v christ_n all_o the_o content_a that_o may_v be_v this_o be_v another_o great_a admonition_n and_o advice_n for_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o affect_v to_o live_v up_o to_o their_o relation_n and_o dignity_n 21._o dignity_n per_fw-la hoc_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquis_fw-la amicus_fw-la consttuitur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d offeasa_fw-mi removetur_fw-la pater_fw-la enim_fw-la affensae_fw-la contrariatur_fw-la aquinas_n count_v gent._n l._n 4._o c._n 21._o for_o certain_o none_o act_n and_o live_v and_o deport_v themselves_o as_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o content_v and_o please_v he_o disgustful_a and_o displease_v carriage_n even_o among_o equal_n be_v very_o much_o unbecoming_a yea_o sometime_o destructive_a to_o friendship_n but_o how_o much_o more_o unbeseeming_a the_o friend_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v so_o far_o inferior_a to_o he_o be_v all_o disguiful_a or_o ingrateful_a deportment_n towards_o christ_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o become_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n than_o this_o that_o they_o studious_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o please_v and_o content_v so_o good_a a_o friend_n this_o imply_v these_o particular_n 1._o spirit_n 1._o christ_n friend_n must_v do_v nothing_o that_o may_v grieve_v christ_n or_o his_o spirit_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v do_v nothing_o that_o may_v be_v disgustful_a and_o displease_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o spirit_n they_o must_v not_o grieve_v either_o one_o or_o tother_o for_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v grieve_v he_o himself_o be_v also_o grieve_v so_o esa_n 63.10_o but_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o so_o far_o as_o man_n vex_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o they_o vex_v he_o and_o of_o a_o friend_n make_v he_o their_o enemy_n thence_o ephes_n 4.30_o and_o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v so_o unkind_a as_o to_o grieve_v his_o spirit_n they_o must_v expect_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v so_o just_a and_o faithful_a as_o not_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o unkindness_n without_o grief_n from_o they_o now_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v and_o displease_v 1._o indulgence_n 1._o avoid_v visible_a relapse_n or_o secret_a indulgence_n by_o visible_a relapse_n into_o grosser_n sin_n or_o secret_a indulgence_n in_o lesser_a sin_n for_o look_v as_o natural_a grief_n arise_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o repugnant_a or_o displease_v object_n so_o proportionable_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o prevalent_a sin_n or_o lesser_a sin_n approve_v of_o private_a dalliance_n with_o any_o darling_n lust_n yea_o small_a omission_n of_o know_a duty_n if_o allow_v of_o and_o live_v in_o be_v great_a grief_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o better_a friend_n christ_n have_v be_v to_o any_o of_o we_o the_o more_o he_o be_v grieve_v at_o the_o least_o dalliance_n with_o or_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n either_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n 2._o backslide_n 2._o beware_v of_o backslide_n by_o secret_a backslide_n of_o heart_n or_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
refresh_a sense_n of_o christ_n comfort_v presence_n she_o still_o retain_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o absence_n and_o superlative_a worth_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o high_a character_n she_o give_v of_o he_o cant._n 5.11_o 16._o my_o belove_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a 16._o cant._n 5.11_o 16._o etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o see_v what_o spiritual_a sagacity_n or_o sharp-sightednes_n be_v require_v also_o what_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o order_n to_o the_o election_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n sect_n 3._o sacred_a providence_n or_o consultation_n about_o mean_n necessary_a to_o friendship_n with_o christ_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o prudence_n mean_n providence_n or_o consultation_n about_o the_o mean_n necessary_a for_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o well_o ground_v and_o inviolable_a amity_n or_o friendship_n be_v providence_n or_o a_o prudent_a provision_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v most_o conducible_a to_o our_o end_n this_o providence_n be_v define_v in_o the_o general_n 414._o general_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plat._n defin._n fol._n 414._o a_o preparation_n for_o some_o future_a end_n or_o design_n as_o to_o our_o present_a case_n it_o imply_v a_o universal_a comprehension_n of_o and_o deliberation_n or_o consultation_n about_o all_o such_o mean_n and_o particular_a circumstance_n relate_v thereto_o whereby_o a_o firm_a wel-grounded_n amity_n may_v be_v maintain_v this_o providential_a prudence_n 5._o prudence_n arst_o eth._n lib_n 3._o c._n 5._o some_o term_n deliberation_n or_o consultation_n which_o refer_v 1._o to_o the_o mean_n not_o the_o end_n 2._o to_o mean_n licit_v not_o grot._n not_o de_fw-fr illicitis_fw-la nulla_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la consultatio_fw-la grot._n illicit_v or_o unlawful_a 3._o among_o lawful_a mean_n not_o to_o infinite_a but_o finite_a 4._o in_o finites_n not_o to_o what_o be_v impossible_a but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n 5._o as_o for_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n consultation_n take_v a_o respondet_fw-la a_o qui_fw-la ad_fw-la tauca_fw-la respicâ—t_fw-la facile_fw-la respondet_fw-la universal_a prospect_n of_o all_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o end_n 6._o last_o after_o a_o full_a view_n of_o all_o mean_n it_o commend_v the_o 414._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d platon_n definit_a fol._n 414._o best_a to_o our_o election_n in_o which_o it_o determine_v these_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o philosopher_n give_v of_o a_o good_a consultation_n now_o to_o draw_v down_o these_o general_a rule_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n the_o soul_n that_o will_v arrive_v to_o a_o wel-grounded_n election_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o friend_n must_v serious_o consult_v and_o deliberate_v on_o all_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o prosecution_n and_o obtainment_n of_o this_o his_o end_n for_o to_o choose_v a_o friend_n without_o a_o serious_a consultation_n about_o or_o provision_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o necessary_o conduce_v to_o the_o maintain_n and_o promote_a of_o such_o a_o amity_n be_v even_o in_o the_o 184._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n conviv_n fol._n 184._o commun_n estimation_n of_o all_o prudent_a person_n but_o a_o rash_a foolish_a election_n if_o ever_o deliberation_n and_o providence_n be_v useful_a it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n namely_o for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o most_o apposite_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o promote_a our_o friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n which_o occur_v in_o make_v a_o clear_a firm_a solid_a complete_a judgement_n touch_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o maintain_v our_o amity_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o here_o as_o in_o speculative_a science_n where_o the_o premise_n be_v lay_v the_o conclusion_n follow_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n without_o difficulty_n no_o 64._o no_o intellectus_fw-la practicus_fw-la propter_fw-la passiones_fw-la variásquâ—_n occurrentes_fw-la â—â—â—â—mstantias_fw-la dâ—fficilius_fw-la veritatem_fw-la attingit_fw-la quà m_fw-la speculate_v vus_o st._n joseph_n thes_n 64._o here_o in_o this_o undertake_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n there_o occur_v various_a irregular_a passion_n cross_a humour_n private_a interest_n and_o other_o material_a circumstance_n which_o very_o much_o obstruct_v the_o practic_a conscience_n in_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o mean_n albeit_o the_o end_n be_v already_o fix_v so_o that_o without_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o consideration_n little_a good_a will_v be_v do_v a_o soul_n that_o will_v engage_v in_o amity_n with_o christ_n must_v resolve_v upon_o part_v with_o right_a eye_n and_o hand_n thing_n most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o require_v serious_a advice_n and_o deliberation_n he_o must_v also_o make_v account_n of_o be_v engage_v in_o many_o a_o sharp_a combat_n with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n with_o a_o frown_a and_o flatter_a world_n and_o with_o a_o sly_a deceitful_a treacherous_a heart_n all_o which_o require_v a_o world_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o caution_n this_o very_a argument_n our_o bless_a lord_n improve_v to_o provoke_v christian_n to_o serious_a consultation_n and_o providence_n about_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o their_o friendship_n with_o himself_o so_o luk._n 14.31_o 32_o 33._o 32._o luk._n 14.31_o 32._o or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v this_o christ_n acquaint_v they_o v._o 26_o 27._o what_o a_o difficult_a conflict_n they_o have_v to_o engage_v in_o they_o must_v hate_v comparative_o father_n mother_n wife_n child_n yea_o and_o life_n also_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o friend_n therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o provision_n they_o have_v make_v for_o such_o a_o difficult_a undertakement_n whether_o they_o have_v get_v armour_n of_o proof_n and_o sufficient_a force_n for_o such_o a_o difficult_a exploit_n and_o warfare_n certain_o they_o who_o unadvised_o rush_v into_o such_o a_o battle_n without_o their_o spiritual_a arâ—or_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n must_v expect_v ere_o long_o to_o lie_v wallow_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o slay_a friendship_n with_o christ_n he_o that_o be_v only_o a_o casual_a and_o rash_a friend_n of_o christ_n can_v promise_v himself_o to_o be_v always_o such_o as_o the_o senec._n the_o non_fw-la promittit_fw-la se_fw-la talem_fw-la in_o perpetuum_fw-la qui_fw-la casu_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la senec._n moralist_n observe_v of_o a_o good_a man_n he_o that_o intend_v to_o approve_v himself_o what_o he_o profess_v to_o be_v as_o to_o friendship_n must_v deliberate_o provide_v a_o sufficience_n of_o spiritual_a armour_n and_o force_n to_o carry_v he_o through_o all_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o encounter_v with_o such_o be_v david_n election_n of_o god_n for_o his_o friend_n 59_o psal_n 119.57_o 58_o 59_o psal_n 119.57_o 58_o 59_o 60._o v._o 57_o thou_o be_v my_o portion_n o_o lord_n there_o lie_v david_n choice_n of_o god_n for_o his_o portion_n or_o friend_n muis._n friend_n sensus_fw-la est_fw-la habeant_fw-la sibi_fw-la alii_fw-la suos_fw-la honores_fw-la oâ—es_fw-la &_o cetera_fw-la hujusâ—odi_fw-la at_o ego_fw-la o_fw-la domine_fw-la siâ—_n statuo_fw-la pars_fw-la &_o portio_fw-la mea_fw-la etc._n etc._n muis._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v some_o choose_v this_o other_o choose_v that_o other_o choose_v some_o other_o inferior_a good_a for_o their_o portion_n but_o as_o for_o i_o lord_n i_o solemn_o profess_v and_o that_o after_o serious_a deliberation_n that_o i_o have_v no_o other_o portion_n or_o friend_n but_o thou_o let_v who_o will_v take_v these_o low_a good_n give_v i_o thyself_o i_o have_v enough_o i_o be_o content_a i_o can_v neither_o expect_v nor_o desire_v a_o better_a good_a and_o what_o follow_v i_o have_v say_v that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o word_n i_o have_v say_v i._n e._n i_o have_v upon_o serious_a mature_a deliberation_n and_o consultation_n peremtory_o resolve_v what_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o word_n i_o e._n that_o i_o will_v vigorous_o prosecute_v all_o those_o mean_n by_o thou_o prescribe_v for_o the_o maintain_n of_o this_o my_o election_n of_o thou_o for_o my_o friend_n so_o v._n 58._o i_o entreat_v thy_o favour_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n i_o have_v choose_v thou_o with_o the_o bent_n of_o my_o heart_n for_o my_o friend_n what_o follow_v v._o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n there_o be_v a_o great_a emphase_n in_o the_o hebr._n vertutis_fw-la hebr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diligenter_n reputavi_fw-la nam_fw-la verbum_fw-la est_fw-la pihel_n facâ—ltate_fw-la mibi_fw-la primum_fw-la data_fw-la quum_fw-la dvas_fw-la cernerem_fw-la vias_fw-la unam_fw-la veluptatis_fw-la alteram_fw-la vertutis_fw-la verb_n render_v i_o think_v which_o
covenant_n of_o work_n it_o sue_v for_o a_o share_n in_o that_o conjugal_a faith_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n alone_o now_o the_o law_n endeavour_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o bed_n with_o christ_n or_o to_o gain_v our_o conjugal_a friendship_n both_o by_o its_o frown_n and_o smile_n i._n e._n by_o its_o threat_n and_o promise_n 1._o the_o law_n especial_o when_o set_v home_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n by_o its_o threat_n and_o terror_n affrighten_v and_o prick_v the_o sinner_n conscience_n then_o 2._o by_o its_o fair_a promise_n and_o offer_v of_o life_n it_o press_v hard_o for_o the_o soul_n conjugal_a faith_n and_o friendship_n but_o 3._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o sinner_n to_o perform_v exact_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n therefore_o the_o law_n be_v content_a to_o go_v sharer_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v what_o â—t_a can_v and_o then_o that_o its_o imperfection_n be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o law_n be_v content_a to_o compound_v with_o christ_n and_o that_o its_o covenant_n â—f_a work_n bellarm._n work_n oâ—era_fw-la tincta_fw-la sanguine_fw-la christi_fw-la bellarm._n be_v tincture_v with_o christ_n blood_n and_o mix_v with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o gain_v the_o consent_n and_o conjugal_a friendship_n of_o many_o poor_a awaken_v sinner_n a_o mix_a covenant_n of_o law_n and_o christ_n work_n and_o grace_n be_v very_a commun_n but_o most_o dangerous_a thus_o it_o prevail_v with_o the_o judaize_v galatian_n who_o compound_v matter_n between_o the_o law_n and_o christ_n and_o so_o admit_v both_o into_o the_o same_o conjugal_a bed_n of_o faith_n and_o dependence_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o join_v the_o bondwoman_n and_o the_o freewoman_n together_o law_n note_n of_o foul_n marry_v to_o the_o law_n gal._n 〈◊〉_d 30_o 31._o and_o ch_n 5.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o case_n of_o multitude_n of_o convince_a sinner_n be_v evident_a 1_o from_o their_o legal_a performance_n of_o duty_n mere_o to_o satisfy_v and_o quiet_a conscience_n not_o to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v christ_n 2._o from_o their_o employ_v and_o improve_n gospel-assistance_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o legal_a self-righteousnes_n 3._o from_o their_o seek_n after_o support_n and_o comfort_n from_o duty_n perform_v rather_o than_o from_o christ_n in_o duty_n 4._o from_o their_o fear_n oâ—_n displease_v the_o law_n more_o than_o of_o displease_v christ_n 5._o from_o their_o make_n use_v of_o their_o legal_a performance_n and_o righteousness_n only_o as_o a_o cover_n blind_a or_o mask_n to_o concel_n a_o rot_a heart_n or_o some_o base_a lust_n these_o be_v black_a character_n of_o a_o soul_n marry_v to_o the_o law_n rom._n 7.1_o etc._n etc._n but_o now_o the_o soulâ—_n that_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o conjugal_a friendship_n with_o christ_n how_o christ_n friend_n dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o how_o be_v divorce_v from_o and_o dead_a unto_o the_o law_n as_o a_o husband_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o as_o iâ—_n be_v a_o plato_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n rigorous_a tyrant_n which_o require_v perfect_a exact_a obedience_n and_o curse_v all_o that_o perform_v it_o not_o or_o as_o it_o will_v share_v with_o christ_n in_o our_o conjugal_a affection_n this_o the_o apostle_n profess_o declare_v rom._n 7.1_o 2_o 4._o rom._n 7.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 3_o 4._o v._o 1._o etc._n etc._n he_o show_v how_o the_o law_n have_v dominion_n over_o sinner_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v marry_v to_o it_o and_o out_o of_o christ_n but_o add_v he_o v._o 4._o you_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o i._n e._n be_v by_o faith_n unite_v and_o marry_v to_o christ_n you_o owe_v no_o conjugal_a faith_n and_o friendship_n to_o the_o law_n which_o be_v your_o old_a husband_n no_o you_o be_v now_o dead_a to_o it_o as_o a_o covenant_n you_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o its_o curse_n neither_o be_v you_o oblige_v to_o give_v it_o conjugal_a benevolence_n or_o to_o bring_v forth_o child_n to_o it_o for_o you_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n that_o you_o shall_v bring_v forth_o beza_n forth_o frâ—ctus_fw-la vocat_fw-la liberos_fw-la beza_n fruit_n i._n e._n child_n unto_o god_n al_n your_o duty_n now_o must_v not_o be_v to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v the_o law_n as_o your_o husband_n but_o to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v christ_n neither_o must_v you_o by_o your_o performance_n endeavour_v to_o exalt_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n 31._o gal._n 4.30_o 31._o but_o christ_n the_o like_a gal._n 4.30_o 31._o where_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n i._n e._n the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n and_o embrace_v the_o freewoman_n i._n e._n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o directory_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n love_v the_o law_n as_o a_o directory_n but_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o love_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n as_o a_o directory_n and_o instructor_n to_o regulate_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o walk_n yea_o in_o this_o regard_n their_o heart_n have_v a_o intimate_a union_n with_o the_o law_n they_o will_v fain_o as_o two_o strait_a line_n touch_v in_o every_o point_n with_o the_o law_n they_o hug_v and_o embrace_v it_o because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o reflex_n image_n a_o transcript_n or_o copy_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n their_o best_a friend_n whereas_o the_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n embrace_v the_o law_n as_o a_o husband_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o hate_v it_o as_o a_o directory_n or_o rule_v of_o life_n the_o true_a friend_n of_o christ_n they_o reprobate_a yea_o hate_v the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o yet_o embrace_v and_o love_v it_o as_o a_o directory_n and_o rule_v of_o life_n these_o differ_v and_o opposite_a affection_n in_o the_o false_a and_o true_a friend_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o the_o differ_v and_o opposite_a regard_n they_o have_v to_o the_o law_n and_o christ_n the_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n his_o last_o end_n be_v to_o exalt_v himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o espouse_v the_o law_n for_o his_o husband_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o himself_o and_o exalt_v his_o own_o righteousness_n the_o true_a friend_n of_o christ_n his_o last_o end_n be_v to_o abase_v self_n and_o exalt_v christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o reject_v the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n and_o espouse_v christ_n for_o his_o husband_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o exalt_v his_o freegrace_n whence_o the_o law_n be_v strip_v of_o its_o bitter_a and_o sour_a curse_n and_o dip_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o sweeten_v with_o freegrace_n and_o gospel-mercie_n it_o now_o become_v a_o sweet_a and_o easy_a evangelick-yoke_n a_o new_a commandment_n of_o love_n a_o royal_a law_n of_o liberty_n which_o with_o his_o inward_a man_n he_o delight_v in_o and_o love_v to_o conform_v unto_o as_o rom._n 7.22_o jam._n 1.25_o thus_o we_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o character_n of_o the_o object_n and_o show_v how_o christ_n be_v single_o to_o be_v choose_v in_o opposition_n to_o sin_n self_n the_o world_n and_o law_n al_n of_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o good_a merchant_n 13.46_o mat._n 13.46_o mat._n 13.46_o who_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v the_o pearl_n of_o precious_a price_n he_o sell_v sin_n and_o self_n and_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o or_o competition_n with_o christ_n he_o that_o hold_v fast_o any_o of_o these_o when_o christ_n call_v for_o they_o let_v we_o go_v christ_n he_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o for_o christ_n will_v soon_o forsake_v christ_n when_o there_o be_v any_o hazard_n of_o his_o poor_a al_n and_o therefore_o christ_n will_v never_o own_o such_o as_o a_o true_a friend_n so_o far_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v cling_v to_o any_o of_o these_o as_o corrival_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n not_o a_o friend_n to_o christ_n chap._n iu._n the_o election_n of_o whole_a christ_n both_o office_n person_n spirit_n way_n member_n and_o cross_n sect_n 1._o a_o complete_a christ_n must_v be_v elect_v by_o his_o friend_n a_o second_o consideration_n of_o christ_n friendship_n a_o complete_a christ_n the_o object_n of_o the_o saint_n friendship_n as_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o friend_n election_n be_v that_o he_o be_v complete_o choose_v it_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o constitute_v a_o real_a amity_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v single_o unless_o he_o be_v also_o complete_o elect_v for_o christ_n be_v make_v useless_a yea_o a_o enemy_n
hereto_o then_o take_v the_o follow_a direction_n first_o foundation_n in_o general_n lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n look_v well_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o thy_o friendship_n be_v sure_a thou_o lie_v a_o good_a foundation_n take_v this_o for_o a_o infallible_a eternal_a truth_n the_o progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o your_o amity_n with_o christ_n will_v be_v proportionable_a to_o its_o foundation_n and_o beginning_n wherefore_o a_o good_a beginning_n be_v more_o than_o half_a your_o work_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o bad_a beginning_n be_v worse_a than_o none_o at_o al._n let_v thy_o conscience_n be_v never_o so_o deep_o wound_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n yea_o cast_v down_o to_o hell_n under_o despair_v thought_n and_o hellish_a terror_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o fiducial_a close_n with_o christ_n thou_o will_v prove_v at_o best_a but_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n or_o slave_n not_o a_o faithful_a friend_n of_o christ_n again_o let_v thy_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o spiritual_a illumination_n and_o rapture_n of_o joy_n yet_o if_o the_o inward_a pondus_fw-la or_o weight_n i._n e._n the_o more_o prevalent_a inclination_n and_o bend_v thereof_o be_v not_o towards_o christ_n thou_o will_v remain_v but_o a_o apparent_a hypocritick_n friend_n and_o real_a enemy_n of_o he_o last_o let_v thy_o profession_n and_o conversation_n be_v gild_v over_o with_o never_o so_o many_o splendid_a title_n artificial_a form_n and_o habit_n of_o legal_a mortification_n pretend_a evangelick_n sanctity_n purity_n and_o piety_n seem_o angelic_a yet_o if_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o sound_a and_o sincere_a all_o thy_o glorious_a title_n and_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o begin_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o end_v in_o apostasy_n therefore_o thou_o see_v how_o great_o it_o do_v concern_v thou_o to_o look_v well_o to_o the_o foundation_n and_o beginning_n of_o thy_o amity_n with_o christ_n for_o if_o it_o begin_v ill_a it_o can_v never_o end_v well_o loose_a work_n or_o any_o fundamental_a error_n in_o thy_o first_o election_n of_o christ_n will_v cause_v a_o crack_n in_o the_o whole_a structure_n of_o thy_o friendship_n with_o he_o if_o thou_o begin_v but_o a_o seem_a hypocritick_n friend_n thou_o will_v and_o a_o real_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o christ_n oh_o then_o of_o what_o infinite_a concernment_n be_v it_o to_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o caution_n circumspection_n and_o diligence_n in_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o a_o sound_n and_o last_a friendship_n with_o christ_n o_o beware_v beware_v of_o false_a superficial_a or_o rot_a foundation_n if_o thou_o will_v build_v a_o last_a structure_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n such_o as_o may_v reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n thou_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n almost_o as_o low_o as_o hell_n namely_o thou_o must_v dig_v deep_a not_o only_o into_o sin_n but_o also_o into_o self_n and_o never_o leave_v dig_v till_o thou_o come_v to_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a self-despair_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o feel_a hell_n yet_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o friendship_n with_o christ_n for_o self-despair_n be_v a_o door_n to_o faith_n and_o hope_v in_o christ_n but_o we_o descend_v to_o particular_n as_o in_o man_n body_n there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o principal_a part_n the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o animal_n spirit_n and_o thence_o the_o seat_n of_o sense_n and_o judgement_n as_o also_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o vital_a spirit_n and_o so_o the_o seat_n of_o life_n and_o affection_n head_n affection_n the_o life_n of_o friendship_n consist_v in_o freedom_n temper_v with_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n 1._o a_o prudent_a head_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o all_o friendship_n there_o be_v two_o great_a principal_a part_n and_o foundation_n 1._o a_o prudent_a head_n 2._o a_o vital_a loyal_a or_o faithful_a heart_n now_o proportionable_a hereto_o there_o be_v two_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o amity_n with_o christ_n 1._o a_o prudent_a sanctify_a head_n or_o judgement_n 2._o a_o vital_a loyal_a faithful_a or_o honest_a heart_n 1._o one_o principal_a part_n and_o main_a foundation_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o sanctify_a prudent_a head_n or_o a_o wel-principled_n awaken_v and_o serious_a judgement_n as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o body_n the_o seat_n of_o animal_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o guide_n of_o a_o man_n so_o spiritual_a judgement_n be_v the_o guide_n of_o a_o friend_n of_o christ_n save_v light_n and_o sanctify_a wisdom_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n not_o only_o of_o our_o first_o closure_n with_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o be_v to_o i_o a_o great_a maxim_n in_o divinity_n that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o light_n and_o judgement_n touch_v christ_n and_o his_o concern_v such_o will_v be_v the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o amity_n with_o he_o if_o our_o light_n be_v as_o joh._n 8.12_o the_o light_n of_o life_n i._n e._n a_o real_a spiritual_a clear_a distinct_a certain_a feeling_n and_o active_a light_n or_o judgement_n then_o will_v our_o election_n of_o he_o as_o our_o friend_n be_v single_a cordial_a complete_a and_o firm_a so_o also_o as_o to_o the_o measure_n if_o our_o light_n be_v intense_a strong_a grow_a and_o noontide_a then_o will_v our_o friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v exceed_v warm_a flourish_a glorious_a and_o operative_a such_o a_o intimate_a connexion_n be_v there_o between_o save_a light_n or_o sanctify_a wisdom_n and_o friendship_n with_o christ_n but_o oh_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o sanctify_a head_n such_o a_o save_a light_n of_o life_n or_o judgement_n be_v there_o not_o a_o world_n of_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v their_o head_n stuff_v and_o cram_v with_o airy_a notion_n fine_a spin_a idea_n or_o curious_a speculation_n of_o christ_n and_o evangelick_n truth_n who_o yet_o never_o have_v any_o one_o beam_n or_o spark_n of_o this_o true_a light_n of_o life_n or_o sanctify_a judgement_n christ_n a_o sanctify_a prudent_a head_n which_o imply_v 1._o a_o head_n well_o principled_a with_o habitual_a notion_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o give_v the_o true_a character_n the_o exact_a idea_n or_o just_a measure_n of_o this_o sanctify_a prudent_a head_n which_o be_v so_o fundamental_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o sincere_a amity_n with_o christ_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o head_n wel-principled_n or_o endue_v with_o a_o stock_n of_o sanctify_a habitual_a idea_n or_o notion_n touch_v christ_n and_o his_o evangelic_n concern_v especial_o such_o as_o refer_v to_o friendship_n with_o he_o this_o be_v essential_a and_o fundamental_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o divine_a amity_n with_o christ_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o habitual_a light_n or_o sanctify_a evangelic_n notion_n touch_v christ_n his_o excellence_n law_n and_o the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o he_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o he_o who_o ever_o judicious_o love_v that_o whereof_o he_o never_o have_v any_o right_a notion_n or_o conception_n in_o brief_a if_o thou_o will_v become_v a_o good_a friend_n of_o christ_n get_v a_o true_a idea_n or_o right_a notion_n of_o christ_n relative_n and_o absolute_a perfection_n how_o full_o of_o grace_n and_o truth_n he_o be_v what_o a_o infinite_a plenitude_n of_o life_n dwell_v in_o he_o how_o willing_a and_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o fill_v every_o empty_a heart_n to_o enrich_v every_o poor_a soul_n to_o refresh_v every_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v sinner_n to_o heal_v every_o wound_a soul_n to_o revive_v every_o dead_a and_o droop_a spirit_n to_o justify_v every_o self-condemned_n sinner_n that_o come_v unto_o he_o get_v also_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o christ_n touch_v those_o ravish_a beauty_n and_o transcendent_a excellence_n that_o shine_v in_o his_o person_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o express_v image_n of_o his_o person_n far_o thou_o must_v have_v right_a idea_n of_o thy_o own_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o thence_o of_o thy_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o need_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o christ_n be_v offer_v to_o thou_o 2._o head_n 2._o a_o awaken_v head_n it_o suffice_v not_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o head_n wèl-principled_n with_o habitual_a notion_n of_o christ_n but_o thou_o must_v also_o have_v a_o awaken_v head_n or_o a_o actual_a feel_a judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o affair_n habitual_a notion_n without_o a_o actual_a feel_a consideration_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o a_o sleepy_a and_o dream_a
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
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
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 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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
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
themselves_o as_o they_o will_v or_o can_v but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v a_o high_a estime_fw-fr of_o christ_n let_v his_o withdrawment_n be_v never_o so_o long_o or_o tedious_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o breach_n in_o their_o friendship_n though_o christ_n shall_v cast_v his_o friend_n into_o a_o sinless_a hell_n of_o desertion_n yet_o can_v they_o there_o but_o retain_v high_a and_o great_a estime_fw-fr of_o he_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o small_a heaven_n to_o they_o it_o be_v unbelieving_a misjudgement_n and_o hard_a censure_n of_o christ_n that_o make_v the_o great_a breach_n on_o friendship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o retirement_n when_o christ_n be_v go_v if_o our_o good_a opinion_n of_o he_o be_v not_o go_v all_o be_v well_o fear_v not_o christ_n compassionate_a regard_n to_o thou_o in_o his_o absence_n if_o thou_o find_v in_o thy_o heart_n a_o high_a and_o affectionate_a regard_n to_o and_o estime_fw-fr of_o he_o herein_o consist_v the_o admirable_a temper_n and_o good_a nature_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o mourn_v deep_o and_o belong_v great_o for_o a_o absent_a christ_n and_o yet_o it_o dare_v not_o misjudge_v he_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o o_o what_o a_o sovereign_n efficacious_a influence_n have_v such_o a_o sweet-humored_n good-natured_a opinion_n of_o christ_n on_o friendship_n with_o he_o 2._o desertion_n 2._o submission_n to_o christ_n under_o desertion_n this_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o time_n of_o spiritual_a defertion_n imply_v a_o meek_a humble_a passive_a subjection_n or_o submission_n to_o christ_n sovereign_n afflictive_a pleasure_n under_o all_o spiritual_a desertion_n unbelief_n be_v full_a of_o impatient_a clamour_n and_o murmur_n material_o blasphemous_a against_o christ_n but_o faith_n be_v a_o mighty_a flexible_a and_o submissive_a grace_n it_o can_v allow_v christ_n his_o time_n to_o go_v and_o come_v it_o remember_v all_o christ_n love-visit_n be_v of_o freegrace_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v not_o be_v quarrel_v with_o for_o the_o withdrawment_n thereof_o faith_n be_v mighty_a inquisitive_a after_o christ_n in_o his_o absence_n yet_o dare_v not_o be_v querulous_a or_o clamorous_a against_o he_o it_o be_v great_o sensible_a of_o christ_n withdrawment_n but_o yet_o dare_v not_o repine_v under_o they_o it_o be_v willing_a christ_n shall_v have_v his_o will_n though_o it_o be_v with_o it_o be_v own_o loss_n and_o if_o christ_n may_v gain_v by_o its_o private_a loss_n that_o be_v some_o content_n to_o it_o yea_o so_o far_o as_o faith_n prevail_v in_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n they_o yield_v not_o only_o passive_a but_o also_o active_a submission_n to_o his_o afflictive_a will_n under_o desertion_n they_o know_v how_o to_o miss_v as_o well_o as_o possess_v christ_n smile_n 3._o christ_n 3._o adherence_n unto_o christ_n this_o life_n of_o faith_n import_v a_o tenacious_a fix_a resolution_n or_o determine_v purpose_n of_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n and_o follow_v after_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o departure_n from_o the_o soul_n albeit_o a_o absent_a christ_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o no-christ_n to_o spiritual_a sense_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o diâ—ine_a instinct_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o it_o can_v but_o adhere_v to_o he_o still_o though_o christ_n may_v seem_v to_o let_v go_v his_o holdfast_n of_o the_o desert_a soul_n yet_o faith_n still_o keep_v its_o holdfast_n of_o christ_n yea_o oft_o the_o more_o christ_n seem_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o cling_v about_o he_o the_o more_o strong_o do_v it_o adhere_v to_o he_o christ_n seem_v repulse_n do_v but_o work_v strong_a impulse_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n towards_o christ_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n christ_n seem_a repulsion_n do_v but_o work_n in_o she_o a_o strong_a impulsion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n matth._n 15.24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o 27._o mat._n 15.24_o 27._o christ_n seem_v to_o break_v final_o with_o she_o but_o she_o can_v break_v with_o he_o she_o have_v a_o invisible_a instinct_n of_o faith_n which_o keep_v her_o heart_n close_o to_o he_o under_o all_o his_o repulse_n yea_o what_o a_o mighty_a sagacity_n be_v there_o in_o her_o faith_n what_o a_o ingenious_a and_o quick_a retortion_n do_v she_o make_v to_o christ_n repulse_n by_o grant_v she_o be_v a_o dog_n and_o content_a to_o be_v so_o account_v on_o supposition_n she_o may_v be_v a_o dog_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o at_o his_o table_n sure_o her_o faith_n be_v no_o fool_n but_o very_a ripe-witted_n and_o sharp-sighted_a in_o that_o it_o can_v spy_v out_o such_o a_o forcible_a argument_n to_o urge_v christ_n with_o even_o from_o his_o own_o objection_n o_o what_o a_o admirable_a chemist_n be_v faith_n to_o extract_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n out_o of_o denial_n her_o faith_n traffic_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o dark_a his_o very_a denial_n be_v turn_v into_o encouragement_n he_o call_v her_o dog_n but_o she_o take_v that_o well_o provide_v she_o may_v be_v but_o one_o of_o his_o dog_n and_o eat_v of_o the_o crumb_n of_o mercy_n that_o fall_n from_o his_o table_n christ_n seem_v to_o drive_v she_o from_o he_o but_o she_o run_v not_o from_o but_o to_o he_o and_o cling_v about_o he_o by_o faith_n the_o more_o christ_n repetes_n and_o double_v his_o denial_n the_o more_o she_o repete_v and_o double_v her_o faith_n her_o faith_n be_v long-breathed_a and_o can_v not_o be_v tire_v out_o by_o all_o christ_n repulse_n though_o christ_n cast_v she_o off_o again_o and_o again_o she_o avouch_v he_o to_o be_v her_o lord_n and_o adore_v he_o as_o such_o yea_o how_o artificial_a and_o witty_a be_v her_o faith_n to_o retort_v a_o argument_n out_o of_o christ_n own_o mouth_n to_o prove_v her_o question_n what_o a_o good_a conclusion_n do_v she_o draw_v from_o hard_a premise_n this_o be_v a_o noble_a piece_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o friendship_n which_o all_o christs_n friend_n must_v aspire_v after_o even_o to_o turn_v christ_n denial_n into_o argument_n of_o faith_n and_o adherence_n 4._o christ_n 4._o desire_v to_o please_v christ_n another_o office_n of_o faith_n under_o spiritual_a desertion_n be_v to_o study_v and_o desire_v to_o please_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o displease_a earriage_n to_o the_o soul_n christ_n oft_o under_o his_o retirement_n put_v on_o the_o mask_n and_o vizard_n of_o a_o enemy_n and_o so_o give_v many_o severe_a lash_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a backslide_n and_o relapse_n now_o in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o endeavour_v all_o way_n possible_a to_o please_v christ_n this_o be_v a_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o friendship_n with_o christ_n so_o david_n with_o other_o friend_n of_o christ_n 5._o christ_n 5._o long_n after_o christ_n again_o the_o desert_a soul_n must_v make_v christ_n absence_n and_o delay_n a_o occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o strong_a long_n and_o cry_v after_o he_o as_o among_o intimate_a confident_n and_o friend_n absence_n do_v but_o inflame_v affectionate_a desire_n after_o each_o other_o so_o here_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.1_o 2._o 6._o faint_n 6._o against_o faint_n in_o all_o christ_n absence_n and_o delay_n of_o return_n beware_v of_o faint_a and_o sink_v despondence_n though_o providence_n may_v seem_v to_o cross_v promise_n yet_o assure_v thy_o soul_n christ_n can_v as_o soon_o deny_v himself_o as_o deny_v his_o word_n yea_o be_v he_o not_o true_a and_o faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n he_o be_v not_o true_a and_o faithful_a to_o himself_o 7._o faith_n 7_o make_v want_n food_n for_o faith_n get_v that_o golden_a art_n of_o convert_v all_o desertion_n and_o deprivement_n of_o grace_n into_o a_o mean_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o admirable_a dexterity_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v pick_v up_o food_n for_o a_o gracious_a life_n even_o out_o of_o the_o deprivement_n of_o gracious_a influence_n yea_o sometime_o it_o make_v grace_n especial_o humility_n and_o the_o like_a winter-grace_n to_o thrive_v most_o under_o the_o suspension_n of_o christ_n sensible_a presence_n 8._o faith_n 8._o what_o be_v want_v in_o sense_n make_v up_o in_o faith_n last_o what_o be_v want_v in_o spiritual_a sense_n make_v up_o in_o faith_n the_o pure_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o have_v least_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o aid_v and_o relieve_v they_o i'faith_o oft_o make_v christ_n very_o near_o when_o he_o seem_v further_a off_o as_o to_o spiritual_a sense_n 2._o christ_n the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n have_v dispatch_v the_o office_n of_o faith_n under_o all_o suffering_n immediate_o by_o or_o from_o christ_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o regard_v suffering_n for_o christ_n and_o indeed_o the_o right_a management_n hereof_o have_v no_o small_a influence_n on_o friendship_n with_o christ_n for_o usual_o none_o approve_v themselves_o better_a friend_n of_o
christ_n than_o they_o who_o suffer_v most_o for_o he_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o piece_n of_o friendship_n more_o difficult_a and_o rare_a than_o such_o as_o be_v attend_v with_o most_o suffering_n for_o christ_n hence_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v of_o what_o a_o mighty_a use_n faith_n be_v to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conserve_n and_o improve_n their_o friendship_n with_o he_o under_o the_o cross_n what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v bring_v to_o the_o suffer_a friend_n of_o christ_n gain_v out_o of_o lesses_z liberty_n out_o of_o slavery_n glory_n out_o of_o shame_n a_o centuple_a or_o hundred_o fold_n out_o of_o all_o deprivement_n yea_o victory_n and_o life_n out_o of_o death_n itself_o but_o this_o victorious_a efficacious_a life_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v it_o that_o keep_v the_o suffer_a friend_n of_o christ_n from_o be_v persecute_v out_o of_o their_o profess_a friendship_n with_o christ_n but_o a_o lively_a faith_n faith_n assure_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v better_a to_o weep_v with_o christ_n than_o to_o rejoice_v with_o the_o world_n to_o be_v poor_a with_o christ_n than_o to_o be_v rich_a with_o worldling_n to_o be_v in_o prison_n with_o christ_n than_o to_o be_v at_o liberty_n with_o his_o enemy_n to_o bleed_v and_o die_v with_o and_o for_o christ_n than_o to_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o man_n faith_n know_v fulwel_a that_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n friend_n be_v transient_a and_o short_a but_o their_o joy_n come_v and_o eternal_a yea_o that_o their_o ill_n work_v for_o good_a whereas_o the_o good_n of_o worldling_n work_v for_o their_o il_fw-fr faith_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o make_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n it_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n and_o poison_n and_o infuse_v a_o medicinal_a virtue_n into_o every_o cross_n such_o with_o many_o other_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o suffering_n for_o christ_n but_o now_o to_o get_v this_o divine_a art_n cross_n direction_n for_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n under_o the_o cross_n and_o skill_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o right_a management_n of_o the_o cross_n take_v these_o follow_a direction_n and_o rule_n 1._o cross_n 1._o give_v no_o way_n to_o to_o hard_a thought_n of_o the_o cross_n give_v not_o way_n to_o unbelieving_a hard_a thought_n of_o christ_n cross_n unbelief_n fill_v the_o mind_n with_o many_o dismal_a black_a ugly_a ghastly_a and_o hard_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n cross_n it_o looks-upon_a the_o cross_n as_o a_o bitter_a sour_a black_a fruitless_a crabtree_n and_o therefore_o possess_v the_o heart_n with_o deep_a disgust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o wherefore_o one_o main_a office_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n and_o ill_a report_n that_o unbelief_n bring_v on_o the_o cross_n now_o this_o faith_n do_v by_o discover_v the_o admirable_a benefit_n and_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o the_o cross_n how_o much_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n be_v gain_v by_o bond_n for_o christ_n how_o much_o peace_n of_o conscience_n by_o trouble_n from_o man_n how_o much_o spiritual_a gain_n by_o temporal_a loss_n for_o christ_n how_o much_o christian_a glory_n by_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n yea_o faith_n teach_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a cross_n even_o death_n itself_o for_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o the_o most_o flourish_a crown_n or_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n 11.26_o heb._n 11.26_o heb._n 11.26_o estime_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n moses_n faith_n prefer_v the_o reproach_n tear_n loss_n bond_n sigh_n and_o banishment_n of_o and_o for_o christ_n before_o the_o glory_n worme-eating_a joy_n gain_n laughter_n and_o delices_fw-la of_o pharaoh_n court._n farther_o faith_n show_v that_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v but_o imaginary_a and_o transient_a that_o its_o alarm_a fear_n and_o noise_n be_v worse_o than_o itself_o last_o faith_n show_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o the_o cross_n how_o full_o of_o divine_a admonition_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v what_o a_o friend_n it_o be_v to_o grace_n though_o a_o enemy_n to_o nature_n what_o a_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o sin_n it_o be_v how_o much_o it_o humble_v for_o small_a sin_n how_o much_o the_o scum_n of_o sin_n be_v draw_v off_o by_o this_o furnace_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o other_o grace_n grow_v on_o this_o bless_a tree_n how_o much_o free_a grace_n be_v enhance_v hereby_o etc._n etc._n 2._o nature_n 2._o keep_v under_o lawless_a self_n and_o soft_a nature_n another_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a management_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o keep_v under_o lawless_a self_n and_o soft_a nature_n which_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o murmur_v despond_v or_o faint_v under_o the_o cross_n now_o this_o faith_n perform_v by_o discover_v 1._o what_o wise_a and_o infinite_a reason_n there_o be_v why_o christ_n friend_n shall_v cheerful_o submit_v unto_o and_o lie_v level_a before_o his_o cross_n 2._o what_o a_o brutish_a blasphemous_a sin_n discontent_n under_o christ_n cross_n be_v how_o much_o madness_n and_o folly_n lie_v wrap_v up_o herein_o in_o that_o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o themselves_o and_o turn_v reason_n out_o at_o door_n whereas_o divine_a contentement_n keep_v the_o heart_n fix_v in_o the_o great_a storm_n and_o make_v man_n master_n of_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n 3._o faith_n keep_v down_o self_n and_o soft_a nature_n by_o nail_v they_o to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o thence_o derive_v influence_n for_o their_o destruction_n 3._o cross_n 3._o faith_n must_v espouse_v the_o cross_n faith_n must_v not_o only_o submit_v unto_o but_o cheerful_o espouse_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n there_o lie_v a_o absolute_a and_o essential_a obligation_n on_o all_o christ_n friend_n to_o espouse_v his_o cross_n as_o well_o as_o his_o person_n this_o faith_n alone_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v and_o that_o by_o discover_v the_o intimate_a connexion_n there_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o cross_n as_o also_o by_o draw_v down_o influence_n from_o christ_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v enable_v ready_o to_o embrace_v delight_n in_o and_o improve_v his_o cross_n thus_o be_v christ_n friend_n marry_v to_o the_o cross_n 4._o cross_n 4._o faith_n must_v triumph_v over_o the_o cross_n another_o main_a office_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o its_o triumph_n over_o the_o cross_n though_o the_o cross_n be_v never_o so_o broad_a and_o thick_a and_o dark_a yet_o faith_n can_v see_v through_o it_o and_o take_v a_o prospect_n of_o come_v glory_n be_v the_o burden_n of_o suffering_n for_o christ_n never_o so_o heavy_a faith_n can_v make_v it_o as_o light_a as_o a_o feather_n yea_o faith_n convert_v our_o cross_n into_o armour_n of_o proof_n whereby_o we_o prove_v victorious_a it_o make_v our_o suffering_n our_o garland_n and_o crown_n yea_o as_o christ_n by_o die_v overcome_v death_n so_o his_o friend_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o even_o in_o and_o by_o death_n overcome_v death_n in_o and_o by_o weakness_n poverty_n disgrace_n slavery_n and_o want_n they_o overcome_v all_o these_o 5._o cross_n 5._o faith_n must_v improve_v every_o cross_n the_o last_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o sanctify_a improvement_n of_o all_o cross_n or_o suffering_n for_o christ_n faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o admirable_a dexterity_n and_o miraculous_a art_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o crossesâ—_n it_o can_v melt_v a_o cross_n of_o lead_n into_o a_o golden_a cross_n of_o humility_n it_o can_v suck_v the_o milk_n of_o medicinal_a grace_n out_o of_o the_o bloody_a breast_n of_o persecution_n it_o can_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n furnace_n transform_v a_o hard_a iron-heart_n into_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o manage_v and_o improve_v by_o faith_n become_v a_o good_a purgatory_n of_o sin_n and_o food_n for_o grace_n yea_o faith_n in_o christ_n can_v and_o oft_o do_v make_v a_o old_a cross_n long_o out_o of_o date_n become_v as_o new_a and_o green_a in_o fruit-bearing_a and_o use_v as_o at_o beginning_n such_o be_v the_o admirable_a virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o management_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o give_v we_o abundant_a demonstration_n of_o what_o great_a use_n this_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o improvement_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v our_o direction_n for_o walk_v with_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n o_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n will_v resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n after_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v so_o long_o contend_v with_o we_o from_o heaven_n by_o pestilence_n sword_n and_o fire_n for_o our_o friendship_n and_o choice_a love_n to_o give_v it_o to_o he_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v and_o dare_v avouch_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v well_o with_o we_o till_o christ_n have_v more_o of_o our_o thought_n estime_fw-fr dependence_n intention_n friendship_n and_o best_a affection_n finis_fw-la