infirm_a then_o must_v they_o go_v to_o this_o spirit_n to_o corroborate_v and_o confirm_v their_o spirit_n do_v they_o labour_v under_o great_a deadness_n spiritual_a stupidity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n who_o then_o can_v soften_v quicken_v and_o mollisie_n their_o heart_n if_o not_o this_o quicken_a head_n this_o fire_n or_o flame_n of_o god_n with_o which_o christ_n friend_n be_v baptize_v matth._n 3.11_o he_o shall_v haptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n again_o be_v their_o soul_n straighten_a bind_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v fetter_v by_o many_o tentation_n and_o difficulty_n who_o then_o can_v enlarge_v their_o soul_n and_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n but_o this_o their_o friend_n who_o where_o ever_o he_o come_v bring_v liberty_n as_o 2_o cor._n 3.17_o be_v it_o not_o this_o free_a spirit_n that_o widen_v and_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n to_o pour_v out_o itself_o before_o god_n in_o prayer_n rom._n 8.15_o 27._o far_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n wound_v by_o tentation_n or_o lust_n who_o then_o can_v heal_v their_o wound_a heart_n if_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o he_o the_o heal_a virtue_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n mal._n 4.2_o do_v they_o find_v spiritual_a languissement_n sensible_a consumtion_n abatement_n and_o decay_v in_o their_o affection_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n whence_o then_o may_v they_o expect_v nourishment_n growth_n and_o thrive_a herein_o if_o not_o from_o this_o live_a head_n col._n 2.19_o be_v their_o heart_n wither_v barren_a parch_a like_o a_o desert_n place_n and_o who_o can_v make_v they_o revive_v and_o spread_v forth_o their_o branch_n and_o make_v their_o beauty_n as_o that_o of_o the_o olive_n tree_n or_o lily_n if_o not_o this_o fructify_a spirit_n be_v not_o he_o as_o dew_n to_o israel_n etc._n etc._n hos_fw-la 14.5_o 6_o 7._o esa_n 26.19_o last_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o wildernes-condition_n under_o many_o desertion_n trouble_n fear_n hurry_v disquietment_n of_o spirit_n about_o their_o spiritual_a state_n who_o then_o can_v speak_v comfort_n if_o not_o this_o divine_a comforter_n where_o may_v they_o expect_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n if_o not_o in_o this_o valley_n of_o anchor_n hos_n 2.14_o 15._o who_o can_v advise_v direct_v conduct_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o bewilder_v condition_n if_o not_o this_o their_o tutor_n advocate_n and_o friend_n these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n do_v deep_o oblige_v and_o strong_o engage_v those_o who_o contract_n friendship_n with_o christ_n to_o elect_v and_o espouse_v his_o spirit_n as_o their_o advocate_n guide_n protector_n and_o tutor_n while_o absent_a from_o christ_n sect_n 7._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v elect_v his_o yoke_n member_n and_o cross_n 6._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v elect_v ordinance_n 6._o election_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o ordinance_n not_o only_o his_o person_n and_o spirit_n but_o also_o his_o yoke_n i._n e._n ordinance_n way_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n so_o psal_n 84.10_o for_o a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o 84.10_o psal_n 84.10_o elegi_fw-la 84.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lxx_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elegi_fw-la i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o door_n keeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n i_o have_v rather_o heb._n i_o have_v elect_v or_o choose_v rather_o and_o so_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o be_v my_o great_a option_n or_o choice_n i_o have_v what_o i_o will_v have_v may_v i_o but_o enjoy_v this_o why_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o so_o elective_o desire_v it_o be_v to_o be_v but_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n the_o mean_a office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v more_o eligible_a and_o desirable_a in_o his_o eye_n than_o the_o high_a preferment_n at_o court_n a_o learned_a 297._o learned_a gatakâ—r_n cinnus_n cap._n 11._o p._n 297._o divine_a interpret_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v rather_o have_v my_o ear_n bore_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o so_o he_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o allusion_n to_o that_o ceremonial_a institute_n or_o rite_n of_o bore_v servant_n in_o the_o ear_n at_o the_o post_n of_o the_o door_n when_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v perpetual_a servant_n and_o the_o targum_fw-la seem_v to_o incline_v to_o this_o sense_n in_o render_v it_o by_o a_o adharere_fw-la a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d adharere_fw-la word_n that_o signify_v to_o adhere_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o bondslave_n and_o perpetual_a servant_n in_o thy_o house_n then_o to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n such_o be_v his_o option_n and_o election_n of_o god_n service_n they_o who_o pretend_v to_o elect_v christ_n for_o their_o friend_n and_o yet_o reject_v his_o ordinance_n worship_n service_n and_o way_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o flat_a contradiction_n and_o solecism_n in_o christianity_n this_o be_v israel_n crime_n 4.16_o hos_fw-la 4.16_o hos_fw-la 4.16_o for_o israel_n slide_v back_o as_o a_o backslide_n heifer_n i_o e._n as_o a_o heifer_n impatiens_fw-la heifer_n lori_n impatiens_fw-la impatient_a of_o the_o yoke_n israel_n can_v be_v content_a with_o the_o privilege_n but_o not_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n the_o crown_n be_v beautiful_a and_o eligible_a but_o the_o yoke_n burdensome_a christ_n will_v have_v all_o his_o friend_n espouse_v his_o yoke_n as_o well_o as_o his_o crown_n mat._n 11.29_o take_v my_o yoke_n etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o find_v a_o sad_a complaint_n of_o christ_n against_o ephraim_n for_o her_o false_a pretension_n of_o friendship_n towards_o he_o 10.11_o hos_fw-la 10.11_o hos_fw-la 10.11_o and_o ephraim_n be_v a_o heifer_n that_o be_v teach_v and_o love_v to_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n but_o i_o pass_v over_o upon_o her_o fair_a neck_n here_o be_v a_o tacit_n comparation_n between_o plough_v and_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n the_o latter_a ephraim_n can_v cheerful_o submit_v unto_o but_o not_o the_o former_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o 1._o plough_v work_n carry_v more_o restraint_n in_o it_o the_o bullock_n be_v to_o submit_v its_o neck_n unto_o the_o yoke_n whereas_o in_o tread_v out_o of_o the_o corn_n it_o be_v loose_a and_o free_a 2._o in_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o toil_n and_o labour_v as_o in_o plough_v 3._o in_o tread_v out_o of_o the_o corn_n there_o be_v not_o only_a liberty_n and_o ease_n but_o also_o profit_n and_o advantage_n for_o according_a to_o the_o law_n it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 9.9_o thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n so_o that_o here_o be_v advantage_n as_o well_o as_o labour_v whereas_o in_o plough_v work_n there_o be_v not_o only_a restraint_n and_o toil_n but_o also_o no_o profit_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o ephraim_n prefer_v tread_v out_o the_o corn_n before_o plough_v be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n of_o a_o world_n of_o false_a friend_n who_o elect_v such_o service_n for_o christ_n as_o carry_v liberty_n ease_n and_o profit_n in_o it_o but_o can_v submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n 7._o friend_n election_n of_o christ_n member_n for_o our_o friend_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o espouse_v his_o member_n and_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o christ_n member_n be_v part_n of_o himself_o they_o be_v mystical_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o reject_v they_o do_v not_o can_v true_o elect_v christ_n as_o their_o friend_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o perfective_a law_n of_o friendship_n 8._o last_o they_o who_o will_v elect_v christ_n cross_n election_n of_o christ_n cross_n as_o their_o friend_n must_v in_o like_a manner_n elect_v and_o espouse_v his_o cross_n they_o can_v be_v no_o friend_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o his_o cross_n phil._n 3.18_o to_o renounce_v our_o cross_n and_o suffering_n for_o christ_n be_v to_o renounce_v our_o interest_n in_o christ_n his_o cross_n and_o suffering_n for_o we_o we_o be_v never_o more_o like_a christ_n then_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o never_o better_a friend_n to_o he_o then_o there_o none_o that_o be_v please_v with_o christ_n will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o cross_n by_o renounce_v christ_n cross_n we_o renounce_v friendship_n with_o he_o heb._n 10.25_o of_o this_o also_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n when_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o passive_a obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o whole_a christ_n be_v to_o be_v elect_v his_o sceptre_n as_o well_o as_o his_o crown_n his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o his_o righteousness_n not_o only_o his_o privilege_n but_o also_o his_o duty_n his_o yoke_n as_o well_o as_o his_o benefit_n his_o cross_n
christ_n withal_o mat._n 25.1_o be_v not_o jehu_n seem_o fill_v with_o zele_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n against_o baal_n priest_n and_o idol_n do_v not_o saul_n and_o ahab_n mourn_v under_o the_o displeasure_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n oh_o what_o serious_a spirit_n tremble_v not_o at_o this_o 6_o prop._n christ_n 6._o as_o to_o union_n with_o christ_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v come_v unto_o some_o seem_a union_n with_o christ_n do_v not_o christ_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o dead_a branch_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o seem_a implantation_n into_o and_o union_n with_o he_o 15.2_o joh._n 15.2_o joh._n 15.2_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v not_o a_o physic_n or_o hyper-physick_n supernatural_a and_o real_a union_n of_o continuitie_n or_o spiritual_a inhesion_n in_o christ_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o mathematic_a superficial_a and_o seem_a union_n of_o contiguitie_n with_o or_o adhesion_n to_o christ_n they_o touch_v christ_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o a_o dead_a fruitless_a branch_n to_o the_o vine_n although_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o gracious_a and_o special_a inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o may_v they_o not_o be_v under_o some_o commun_n illapse_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o heb._n 6.4_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 7_o prop._n image_n 7._o as_o to_o christ_n image_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v some_o sleight_n touch_v and_o stroke_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n some_o first_o line_n superficial_a impress_n or_o stamp_n of_o commun_n grace_n on_o his_o heart_n we_o may_v not_o say_v or_o conceit_n as_o some_o that_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v true_a save_a grace_n no_o this_o destroy_v god_n 〈◊〉_d the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o may_v late_o conclude_v that_o he_o may_v and_o oft_o do_v attain_v unto_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o commun_n grace_n which_o have_v a_o mighty_a ressemblance_n with_o save_v grace_n and_o therefore_o can_v very_o hardly_o by_o human_a estimation_n be_v distinguish_v therefrom_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o god_n give_v saul_n another_o heart_n though_o not_o a_o new_a heart_n 1_o sam._n 10.9_o do_v not_o many_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o gal._n 3.3_o 8_o prop._n obedience_n 8._o as_o to_o active_a obedience_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v give_v a_o partial_a hypocritick_n subjection_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 5._o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n shall_v arrive_v unto_o a_o visible_a form_n of_o godliness_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n or_o truth_n thereof_o yea_o continue_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n have_v we_o not_o have_v dreadful_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o these_o last_o perilous_a day_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o have_v sometime_o shine_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o now_o like_o meteor_n or_o blaze_a comet_n lie_v bury_v in_o the_o ash_n of_o their_o burn_a profession_n o_o tremble_v tremble_v at_o this_o you_o english_a professor_n 9_o prop._n obedience_n 9_o as_o to_o passive_a obedience_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v yield_v not_o only_a hypocritick_n active_a obedience_n to_o christ_n law_n but_o also_o some_o passive_a obedience_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a considerable_a degree_n do_v not_o paul_n 13.22_o mat._n 13.22_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o suppose_v that_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v or_o die_v a_o martyr_n for_o christ_n and_o yet_o want_v divine_a charity_n or_o true_a amity_n for_o christ_n how_o far_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v with_o courage_n suffer_v persecution_n for_o christ_n seem_v lively_o illustrate_v mat._n 13.22_o by_o the_o thorny_a ground_n which_o be_v more_o generous_a than_o the_o stony_a ground_n in_o that_o it_o bear_v a_o scorch_a day_n of_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o thorn_n or_o care_n of_o the_o world_n choke_v the_o corn_n when_o it_o come_v near_o to_o harvest_n have_v we_o not_o have_v sad_a exemple_n of_o this_o also_o in_o this_o our_o age_n how_o many_o professor_n have_v pass_v through_o a_o bitter_a winter_n of_o persecution_n with_o courage_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o be_v blast_v with_o a_o sunshine_n day_n of_o prosperity_n or_o worldly_a care_n and_o comfort_n 10_o prop._n christ_n 10._o as_o to_o dependence_n a_o christ_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o seem_a dependence_n on_o christ_n both_o for_o providential_a ministerial_a and_o gracious_a influence_n do_v not_o saul_n consult_v and_o wait_v on_o the_o divine_a oracle_n 1_o sam._n 13.9_o 13_o be_v it_o not_o say_v of_o some_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n 48.2_o esa_n 48.2_o esa_n 48.2_o that_o they_o stay_v themselves_o on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n i._o e._n they_o presume_v and_o glory_v much_o in_o their_o dependence_n on_o christ_n though_o they_o real_o depend_v on_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n they_o conceit_n they_o depend_v on_o christ_n but_o real_o depend_v on_o this_o their_o own_o fond_a conceit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n of_o a_o world_n of_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n o_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 11_o prop._n service_n 11._o as_o to_o assistance_n and_o service_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v receive_v great_a assistance_n from_o christ_n and_o do_v great_a service_n for_o he_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n of_o judas_n do_v he_o not_o do_v many_o miracle_n and_o perhaps_o awaken_v if_o not_o convert_v some_o soul_n oh_o what_o assistance_n and_o enlargement_n in_o duty_n what_o divine_a benediction_n on_o their_o labour_n have_v many_o minister_n who_o yet_o never_o be_v real_a friend_n of_o christ_n receive_v from_o he_o 12._o praise_n 12._o as_o to_o praise_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v return_v unto_o he_o some_o acknowledgement_n for_o divine_a assistance_n or_o other_o mercy_n receive_v so_o luk._n 5.26_o and_o they_o be_v all_o amaze_v and_o glorify_a god_n i._n e._n for_o what_o they_o have_v see_v of_o his_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v 13._o 38._o 13._o as_o to_o communion_n of_o saint_n exo._n 12_o 38._o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v adhere_v very_o close_o to_o the_o more_o pure_a ordinance_n administration_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n thus_o exod._n 12.38_o we_o find_v mention_n of_o a_o mix_a people_n who_o go_v up_o with_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o endure_v some_o difficulty_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o at_o last_o they_o fall_v off_o as_o leaf_n in_o autumn_n and_o return_v back_o again_o to_o egypt_n as_o numb_a 11.4_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a contemplation_n for_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n thus_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n consociate_v with_o the_o wise_a mat._n 25.1_o 14._o 27._o 14._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o christ_n luke_n 13.26_o 27._o yea_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v arrive_v to_o some_o measure_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n this_o seem_v the_o case_n of_o those_o presumptuous_a confident_n luk._n 13.26_o we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n eat_v and_o drink_v together_o denote_v familiar_a conversation_n and_o friendly_a communion_n they_o have_v oft_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o christ_n at_o his_o communion_n table_n and_o this_o make_v they_o mighty_a confident_a of_o their_o amity_n with_o christ_n but_o yet_o christ_n reject_v they_o as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n v._o 27._o shall_v not_o this_o consideration_n make_v every_o vein_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o tremble_v 15._o glory_n 15._o as_o to_o prelibation_n of_o glory_n a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v arrive_v unto_o some_o labial_a sip_v some_o superficial_a taste_n of_o the_o celestial_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o come_v this_o seem_v couch_v in_o that_o supposition_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v some_o labial_a prelibation_n of_o come_v glory_n arise_v from_o some_o commun_n illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o least_o taste_n of_o those_o spiritual_a suavity_n and_o satisfy_a sweetness_n which_o the_o real_a friend_n of_o christ_n find_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o whereby_o their_o lust_n after_o other_o thing_n be_v quench_v as_o joh._n 4.14_o whereas_o the_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n never_o drink_v a_o full_a draught_n but_o have_v only_o some_o sip_v of_o divine_a suavity_n
good-order_n and_o harmony_n pythagoras_n pythagoras_n hence_o some_o oâ—_n the_o philosopher_n hold_v that_o virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o symmetry_n or_o harmony_n and_o if_o this_o good_a order_n or_o harmony_n be_v essential_a to_o all_o virtue_n how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v it_o requisite_a to_o friendship_n especial_o between_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n the_o poor_a philosopher_n can_v say_v 326._o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n protag_n 3._o fol._n 326._o that_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v consist_v of_o a_o good_a rhyme_n and_o right_a harmony_n whence_o he_o make_v harmony_n and_o symmetry_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n not_o only_o of_o the_o moral_a but_o also_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n be_v not_o this_o more_o proper_o applicable_a to_o the_o saint_n friendship_n with_o christ_n amity_n prudent_a order_n the_o soul_n of_o amity_n what_o do_v more_o spirit_n animate_v beautify_v and_o confirm_v amity_n with_o christ_n than_o a_o holy_a order_n and_o divine_a harmony_n in_o our_o way_n and_o conversation_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o soverain_o efficacious_a and_o expedient_a for_o the_o beget_n this_o sacred_a order_n than_o this_o spiritual_a prudent_a dexterity_n which_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o prudence_n be_v the_o best_a orderer_n of_o thing_n sinner_n void_a of_o the_o light_n of_o life_n be_v loged_a in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n but_o confusion_n yea_o their_o light_n be_v darkness_n as_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o natural_a death_n job_n 10.22_o 10.22_o job_n 10.22_o a_o land_n of_o darkness_n as_o darkness_n itself_o and_o of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n without_o any_o order_n and_o where_o the_o light_n be_v as_o darkness_n sinner_n who_o light_n be_v darkness_n can_v but_o be_v full_a of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n for_o all_o disorder_n come_v from_o darkness_n thence_o job_n 37.19_o 37.19_o job_n 37.19_o it_o be_v say_v we_o can_v order_v our_o speech_n by_o reason_n of_o darkness_n none_o can_v order_v their_o word_n and_o way_n aright_o but_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o save_a light_n whence_o david_n pray_v psal_n 119.133_o 119.133_o psal_n 119.133_o order_n my_o step_n in_o thy_o word_n i._n e._n cloth_n i_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n or_o prudent_a dexterity_n that_o so_o i_o may_v order_v my_o step_n according_a to_o thy_o word_n and_o approve_v myself_o thy_o faithful_a friend_n and_o such_o as_o do_v thus_o prudent_o order_v their_o way_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o high_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a friendship_n 50.23_o psal_n 50.23_o as_o psal_n 50.23_o to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n we_o see_v then_o how_o essential_o and_o universal_o useful_a this_o divine_a prudence_n be_v both_o for_o the_o production_n and_o conservation_n of_o friendship_n in_o general_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o that_o amity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n i_o shall_v sum_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o particular_a in_o a_o brief_a character_n of_o divine_a prudence_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o friendship_n with_o christ_n this_o spiritual_a prudence_n be_v pythag._n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jambl._n ex_fw-la pythag._n a_o intelligent_a eye_n which_o contemplate_v those_o incomparable_a beauty_n and_o transcendent_a glory_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a taste_n which_o savour_v and_o relish_v those_o incomparable_a sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o great_a inventresse_n of_o mean_n most_o expedient_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n it_o be_v a_o pythag._n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pythag._n sacred_a orderer_n which_o prescribe_v the_o best_a directory_n for_o our_o way_n it_o be_v produce_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o reflect_v on_o christ_n behold_v in_o he_o a_o most_o beautiful_a exemplar_n or_o idea_n for_o all_o its_o way_n it_o be_v pythag._n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pythag._n the_o corrector_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o our_o path_n pythag._n path_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jambl._n ex_fw-la pythag._n which_o refer_v all_o to_o the_o divine_a pattern_n bring_v we_o into_o the_o near_a assimilation_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n o_o what_o need_v then_o have_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o study_v and_o pray_v for_o this_o divine_a prudence_n jam._n 1.5_o if_o any_o lack_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n chap._n iii_o the_o election_n of_o a_o single_a christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_n self_n the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n sect_n 1._o the_o saint_n friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v conjugal_a and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v single_o to_o be_v elect_v as_o the_o foundation_n in_o artificial_o give_v union_n friendship_n a_o find_v head_n and_o a_o sincere_a heart_n the_o great_a spring_n of_o all_o friendship_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o head_n in_o natural_n afford_v influence_n and_o conduct_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o like_a do_v prudence_n in_o moral_n particular_o in_o friendship_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v but_o yet_o if_o prudence_n be_v the_o root_n and_o head_n the_o will_n be_v the_o heart_n where_o friendship_n have_v its_o proper_a seat_n and_o throne_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o sound_a head_n but_o also_o a_o sincere_a heart_n be_v essential_o and_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o true_a amity_n whether_o human_a or_o divine_a this_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o remain_a character_n of_o the_o first_o fundamental_a law_n of_o friendship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v found_v on_o a_o single_a complete_a election_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o that_o for_o himself_o these_o adjunct_n or_o attribute_n give_v to_o this_o election_n refer_v both_o to_o its_o object_n and_o subject_n i._n e._n we_o must_v choose_v a_o single_a complete_a object_n for_o itself_o with_o a_o single_a complete_a heart_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v discourse_v of_o these_o attribute_n under_o both_o their_o reference_n first_o election_n 1._o touch_v the_o object_n of_o this_o election_n as_o for_o the_o object_n of_o this_o election_n it_o must_v be_v single_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o friendship_n whether_o human_a or_o divine_a we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a assistance_n examine_v each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n first_o comparative_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v â—ingle_a either_o 1._o comparative_o the_o object_n of_o this_o election_n must_v be_v single_a at_o least_o comparative_o if_o not_o absolute_o for_o 1._o all_o friendship_n among_o man_n require_v that_o its_o object_n be_v comparative_o single_a that_o be_v that_o the_o heart_n admit_v not_o of_o any_o corrival_n or_o other_o friend_n who_o stand_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o or_o competition_n with_o his_o elect_a friend_n for_o every_o one_o may_v be_v just_o repute_v so_o far_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o friend_n as_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n though_o but_o secret_o to_o his_o friend_n enemy_n friendship_n or_o 2._o absolute_o as_o in_o conjugal_a friendship_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o friendship_n which_o require_v a_o single_a object_n absolute_o as_o that_o between_o conjugal_a relation_n conjugal_a amity_n as_o such_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o degree_n of_o comparison_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n as_o to_o all_o other_o lover_n and_o friend_n he_o or_o she_o that_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o true_a conjugal_a love_n or_o friendship_n for_o any_o other_o person_n save_v that_o to_o who_o he_o or_o she_o be_v join_v by_o a_o conjugal_a election_n or_o mariage-consent_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o conjugal_a friendship_n and_o may_v be_v account_v a_o adulterer_n or_o adulteress_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o this_o irregular_a passion_n prevail_v for_o the_o very_a formal_a nature_n or_o reason_n of_o conjugal_a friendship_n exclude_v all_o corrival_n or_o copartner_n with_o its_o friend_n this_o be_v a_o seal_a fountain_n if_o any_o stream_n issue_v forth_o to_o other_o lover_n the_o whole_a be_v poison_v prov._n 5.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o prov._n 2.17_o cant._n 4.12_o now_o such_o be_v the_o friendship_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o a_o gracious_a soul_n single_a the_o friendship_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o friend_n conjugal_a and_o therefore_o the_o object_n single_a it_o be_v conjugal_a and_o therefore_o require_v absolute_o a_o single_a object_n of_o its_o election_n or_o choice_n that_o soul_n who_o admit_v any_o other_o but_o christ_n to_o share_v in_o the_o same_o kind_a of_o conjugal_a affection_n which_o it_o owe_v to_o christ_n be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o fornication_n there_o be_v a_o full_a character_n of_o a_o soul_n espouse_v to_o christ_n cant._n 4.12_o a_o
not_o this_o substantial_a essential_a image_n of_o god_n call_v for_o the_o high_a admiration_n adoration_n election_n and_o affection_n what_o deserve_v admiration_n and_o election_n for_o itself_o if_o not_o this_o first_o beauty_n and_o image_n of_o god_n last_o be_v our_o emmanuel_n a_o divine_a miroir_n or_o lookingglass_n in_o which_o shine_v all_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n the_o father_n oh_o what_o a_o essential_a and_o bind_v obligation_n do_v this_o lay_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v or_o will_v be_v friend_n of_o christ_n to_o stand_v always_o pore_v and_o gaze_v on_o this_o glass_n that_o so_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o who_o will_v not_o elect_v such_o a_o divine_a and_o glorious_a miroir_n for_o itself_o to_o be_v always_o contemplate_v love_a and_o enjoy_v those_o soul-satisfying_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o centre_n and_o shine_v therein_o with_o such_o a_o glory_n 3._o far_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n shall_v get_v as_o near_o he_o and_o love_v he_o as_o pure_o for_o himself_o as_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n be_v glorify_v namely_o by_o its_o be_v assume_v and_o personal_o unite_v to_o the_o godhead_n do_v both_o demonstrate_v and_o instruct_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o must_v elect_v and_o love_v he_o for_o himself_o for_o whereas_o god_n communicate_v his_o goodness_n to_o other_o creature_n by_o create_a emanation_n and_o effluence_n thereof_o god_n the_o son_n communicate_v his_o goodness_n to_o his_o human_a nature_n not_o by_o a_o create_a emanation_n or_o effluxe_n of_o goodness_n from_o himself_o but_o by_o a_o assumption_n and_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n with_o himself_o so_o that_o the_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v glorify_v not_o by_o any_o emission_n or_o communication_n of_o goodness_n from_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o reception_n into_o or_o hypostatick_a union_n with_o himself_o now_o albeit_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o expect_v or_o presume_v to_o be_v chri_v or_o take_v into_o a_o hypostatick_a personal_a union_n with_o christ_n no_o that_o be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o affect_v or_o desire_v yet_o they_o shall_v and_o aught_o in_o imitation_n of_o their_o human_a nature_n assume_v by_o christ_n both_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v as_o intimate_v a_o union_n as_o possible_o they_o may_v with_o christ_n their_o friend_n and_o far_o elect_v and_o love_v he_o as_o pure_o and_o entire_o for_o himself_o as_o they_o can_v for_o the_o less_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n eye_n and_o regard_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o flow_v from_o he_o though_o spiritual_a and_o the_o more_o pure_o and_o entire_o they_o intend_v elect_v and_o enjoy_v christ_n for_o himself_o and_o those_o glorious_a excellence_n they_o see_v in_o he_o the_o near_o they_o arrive_v unto_o and_o the_o more_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o beatific_a glory_n which_o their_o human_a nature_n assume_v into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v invest_v with_o i_o say_v as_o the_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n hypostatical_o or_o personal_o unite_v to_o the_o deity_n be_v whole_o swallow_v up_o with_o and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v aspire_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o human_a nature_n espouse_v by_o and_o take_v into_o personal_a union_n with_o christ_n though_o not_o to_o have_v a_o personal_a union_n with_o christ_n yet_o to_o come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o may_v without_o diminution_n of_o christ_n glory_n to_o the_o bless_a vision_n election_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o 4._o hence_o also_o it_o natural_o follow_v christ_n christ_n friend_n shall_v present_v themselves_o fit_a temple_n etc._n etc._n for_o christ_n that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n ought_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o human_a nature_n espouse_v by_o christ_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o present_v themselves_o fit_a temple_n character_n face_n image_n and_o miroirs_n or_o looking-glass_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o enjoy_v he_o more_o full_o for_o himself_o be_v christ_n human_a nature_n full_a of_o grace_n do_v the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o deity_n dwell_v therein_o bodily_a or_o personal_o as_o in_o a_o temple_n oh_o then_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v their_o human_a nature_n sanctify_a to_o the_o utmost_a they_o may_v that_o so_o they_o may_v present_v themselves_o live_v and_o holy_a temple_n fit_a for_o christ_n to_o dwell_v in_o by_o his_o spirit_n this_o be_v that_o which_o paul_n exhort_v to_o every_o where_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o as_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o what_o do_v he_o conclude_v hence_o v._o 17._o if_o any_o defile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v for_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v you_o consider_v friend_n what_o you_o do_v in_o defile_v your_o human_a nature_n be_v it_o not_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o defile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n aught_o not_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a will_v not_o god_n destroy_v such_o as_o defile_v his_o temple_n his_o holy_a place_n o_o beware_v what_o you_o do_v remember_v your_o human_a nature_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n the_o like_o 1_o cor._n 6.18_o flee_v fornication_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o v._o 19_o what_o 6.18_o 1_o cor._n 6.18_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6.16_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o etc._n etc._n so_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o and_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n etc._n etc._n what_o suffer_v idol-lover_n and_o lust_n to_o loge_n in_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n oh_o what_o monstrous_a sacrilege_n what_o notorious_a blasphemy_n be_v this_o there_o be_v no_o one_o consideration_n do_v more_o deep_o engage_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o press_v after_o holiness_n than_o this_o that_o as_o their_o human_a nature_n be_v so_o far_o honour_v by_o christ_n as_o to_o be_v take_v into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o the_o deity_n so_o they_o in_o their_o measure_n be_v take_v into_o a_o mystic_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o thence_o become_v temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v gracious_o and_o spiritual_o though_o not_o bodily_a or_o personal_o as_o in_o his_o own_o human_a nature_n oh_o what_o a_o cogent_a argument_n shall_v this_o be_v to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o study_v and_o endeavour_n how_o they_o may_v beautify_v and_o adorn_v their_o human_a nature_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o christ_n to_o dwell_v in_o as_o the_o human_a nature_n assume_v by_o christ_n be_v the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n dwell_v bodily_a the_o very_a thought_n how_o far_o human_a nature_n be_v raise_v and_o dignify_v in_o christ_n how_o far_o shall_v it_o raise_v our_o thought_n study_n and_o important_a endeavour_n after_o holiness_n that_o so_o our_o own_o human_a nature_n may_v be_v present_v to_o christ_n as_o holy_a and_o live_a temple_n fit_a for_o his_o gracious_a inhabitation_n ah_o what_o a_o sad_a contemplation_n be_v it_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o many_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n abuse_n and_o abase_v human_a nature_n which_o be_v raise_v to_o so_o great_a a_o dignity_n by_o suffer_v vile_a idol-lover_n and_o base_a lust_n to_o inhabit_v therein_o can_v the_o blind_a heathen_n see_v so_o much_o cause_n why_o man_n shall_v not_o abase_v but_o honour_n human_a nature_n because_o the_o soul_n dwell_v in_o it_o oh_o then_o how_o much_o great_a cause_n have_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o honour_n and_o adorn_v human_a nature_n with_o grace_n because_o christ_n their_o best_a friend_n dwell_v therein_o chap._n viii_o this_o doctrine_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n improve_v by_o doctrinal_a corollary_n and_o practic_a uses_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o open_a enemy_n and_o hypocritick_n friend_n of_o christ_n sect_n 1._o doctrinal_a corollary_n from_o this_o first_o part_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n have_v explicate_v christ_n doctrinal_a corollary_n from_o this_o first_o part_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o general_a constitution_n of_o the_o object_n how_o and_o why_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v elect_v he_o
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 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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 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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
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