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god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o take_v some_o comfort_n in_o their_o presence_n 6._o love_n even_o to_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o 1_o cor._n 13._o it_o be_v exercise_v upon_o a_o immortal_a object_n the_o image_n and_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v one_o of_o the_o immortal_a grace_n for_o grace_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o die_v not_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o object_n cease_v not_o how_o shall_v the_o grace_n cease_v unless_o you_o will_v call_v its_o perfect_a a_o cease_n it_o be_v a_o state_n too_o high_a for_o such_o as_o we_o and_o i_o think_v for_o any_o mere_a creature_n to_o live_v so_o immediate_o and_o only_o upon_o god_n as_o to_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o fellow_n creature_n nor_o no_o comfort_n in_o they_o god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o glorify_a creature_n in_o such_o subserviency_n and_o subordination_n to_o himself_o as_o 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friend_n than_o in_o any_o other_o answ._n 1._o if_o you_o have_v none_o in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o our_o happiness_n if_o indeed_o we_o shall_v have_v all_o in_o god_n immediate_o and_o alone_o 2._o but_o if_o you_o have_v as_o much_o in_o other_o that_o you_o never_o know_v before_o that_o will_v not_o diminish_v any_o of_o your_o comfort_n in_o your_o ancient_a friend_n 3._o but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a to_o we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a object_n for_o our_o love_n in_o the_o glorify_a saint_n one_o be_v their_o holiness_n and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o relation_n which_o they_o stand_v in_o between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v make_v his_o instrument_n for_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v saint_n in_o heaven_n in_o both_o respect_n and_o in_o the_o first_o respect_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a we_o shall_v love_v those_o most_o that_o have_v most_o of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a glory_n though_o such_o as_o we_o 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nature_n and_o as_o inseparable_a from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v from_o ourselves_o much_o more_o be_v it_o not_o digressive_v may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o god_n do_v draw_v we_o to_o every_o holy_a duty_n by_o show_v we_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o as_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o the_o small_a excellency_n so_o he_o have_v purposely_o mention_v that_o love_n endure_v for_o ever_o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o love_n of_o one_o another_o as_o a_o principle_n motive_n to_o kindle_v and_o increase_v this_o love_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o think_v they_o shall_v have_v no_o personal_a knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o nor_o personal_a love_n to_o one_o another_o for_o we_o can_v love_v personal_o if_o we_o know_v not_o personal_o do_v take_v a_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o destroy_v in_o their_o soul_n all_o holy_a special_a love_n to_o saint_n by_o cast_v away_o that_o principal_a or_o very_a great_a motive_n 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the_o christian_n converse_v with_o god_n or_o the_o insufficiency_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o human_a friendship_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o solitude_n in_o converse_n with_o god_n with_o some_o of_o the_o author_n breathe_n after_o he_o by_o richard_n baxter_n recommend_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v serious_a thought_n when_o at_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v and_o in_o retirement_n by_o mr._n matth._n silvester_n london_n print_v for_o john_n salusbury_n at_o the_o rise_a sun_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1693._o to_o the_o reader·_n this_o excellent_a discourse_n breathe_v the_o excellence_n of_o its_o now_o decease_a author_n spirit_n crave_v thy_o most_o serious_a perusal_n and_o it_o will_v plentiful_o reward_v the_o hour_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v thereon_o it_o great_o savour_v of_o deep_a thought_n strict_a observation_n and_o long_a and_o great_a experience_n of_o god_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n creature_n look_v best_a when_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o in_o prospect_n but_o when_o near_a to_o we_o they_o be_v then_o easy_o look_v through_o and_o seldom_o find_v to_o correspond_v with_o their_o appearance_n to_o we_o and_o with_o our_o expectation_n from_o they_o but_o god_n be_v such_o a_o deep_a and_o boundless_a abyss_n of_o perfection_n as_o most_o delightful_o will_v endure_v and_o recompense_v all_o the_o severity_n and_o closeness_n of_o our_o eternal_a thought_n about_o he_o perfect_v spirit_n be_v all_o thought_n concern_v god_n and_o find_v their_o heart_n inflame_v and_o all_o their_o power_n invigorate_v thereby_o eternal_o to_o inexpressible_a satisfaction_n and_o what_o variety_n of_o pleasant_a thought_n the_o innumerable_a instance_n and_o mirror_n of_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o heaven_n will_v endless_o minister_v unto_o i_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o dare_v i_o guess_v too_o bold_o at_o they_o but_o how_o those_o soul_n can_v look_v for_o heaven_n or_o true_o be_v account_v gracious_a who_o never_o retire_v solemn_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o where_o god_n be_v not_o more_o than_o all_o to_o we_o he_o can_v be_v comfortable_o nothing_o and_o our_o religious_a exercise_n and_o pretence_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_a and_o dull_a whilst_o god_n be_v trifling_o and_o seldom_o think_v on_o and_o converse_v with_o by_o we_o can_v holy_a walk_v be_v preserve_v and_o promote_v without_o love_n can_v love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o invisible_a state_n be_v kindle_v cherish_v and_o continual_o advance_v without_o faith_n can_v faith_n be_v any_o thing_n but_o fancy_n and_o presumption_n without_o thought_n and_o knowledge_n and_o can_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n and_o holy_a walk_v be_v fix_v and_o vigorous_a and_o proficient_a without_o our_o serious_a and_o frequent_a representation_n of_o god_n unto_o ourselves_o by_o solemn_a contemplation_n of_o his_o excellent_a perfection_n free_a communication_n plentiful_a provision_n and_o glorious_a design_n whereto_o he_o have_v entitle_v we_o see_v our_o religion_n and_o devotion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o can_v have_v no_o life_n and_o soul_n but_o this_o what_o be_v it_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o solitude_n but_o to_o actuate_v our_o thought_n of_o what_o we_o know_v concern_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o accommodate_v they_o to_o all_o the_o needful_a and_o useful_a purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o make_v thought_n solemn_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n thereof_o viz._n our_o due_a and_o seasonable_a representation_n of_o our_o god_n to_o we_o and_o of_o ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o christ_n pursuant_n to_o the_o state_v and_o occasional_a end_n and_o interest_n of_o christian_a godliness_n as_o the_o matter_n may_v require_v converse_v thus_o with_o god_n want_v not_o its_o great_a advantage_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o if_o these_o thought_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n which_o do_v so_o great_o 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fidelity_n p._n 58._o consideration_n to_o quiet_v we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o faithful_a friend_n p._n 60_o whether_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o in_o heaven_n p._n 71_o whether_o creature_n be_v any_o matter_n of_o our_o comfort_n in_o heaven_n p._n 73._o quest._n shall_v i_o have_v any_o more_o comfort_n in_o present_a friend_n than_o in_o other_o p._n 76_o doct._n 3._o when_o all_o forsake_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o as_o to_o they_o alone_a we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v simple_o alone_a because_o god_n be_v with_o we_o p._n 80._o the_o advantage_n of_o have_v god_n with_o we_o p._n 81_o quest._n how_o he_o be_v with_o we_o p._n 82_o use._n 1._o imitate_v christ_n live_v upon_o god_n alone_o though_o man_n forsake_v you_o yet_o thrust_v not_o yourselves_o into_o solitude_n uncalled_a p._n 91_o in_o what_o case_n solitude_n be_v lawful_a and_o good_a p._n 92_o reason_n against_o unnecessary_a solitude_n p._n 94_o the_o comfort_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o necessary_a solitude_n 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own_o and_o shall_v leave_v i_o alone_o and_o yet_o
covetous_a ambitious_a self-seeking_a person_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o cure_v their_o disease_n and_o possess_v their_o mind_n with_o perfect_a câ—â—rity_n then_o â—ll_v the_o 〈…〉_z have_v over_o and_o over_o again_o give_v 〈…〉_z as_o full_a and_o sad_a demonstration_n of_o thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o cross_a opinion_n to_o alienate_v 〈◊〉_d and_o make_v division_n as_o most_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o have_v if_o your_o friend_n 〈◊〉_d proud_a it_o be_v wonderful_a how_o he_o will_v â—lighâ—_n you_o and_o withdraw_v his_o love_n if_o you_o 〈◊〉_d not_o of_o his_o mind_n if_o he_o be_v zealous_a he_o be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o think_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o disow_v you_o if_o you_o differ_v from_o he_o as_o take_v you_o for_o one_o that_o disow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o one_o that_o god_n himself_o disow_v or_o at_o least_o to_o grow_v cold_a in_o his_o affection_n towards_o you_o and_o to_o decline_v from_o you_o as_o he_o that_o 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that_o you_o hold_v or_o some_o unhansom_a or_o culpable_a act_n that_o you_o have_v do_v or_o some_o duty_n that_o you_o have_v leave_v undo_v or_o fail_v in_o for_o they_o think_v there_o be_v not_o a_o better_a shelter_n for_o their_o unfaithfulness_n then_o to_o pretend_v for_o it_o the_o name_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o make_v a_o duty_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o will_v not_o justify_v they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o prove_v that_o god_n require_v they_o and_o religion_n oblige_v thâ—m_n to_o forsake_v you_o fâ—r_v your_o fault_n there_o be_v few_o crime_n in_o the_o world_n that_o by_o some_o be_v not_o father_v on_o god_n that_o most_o hate_v they_o as_o think_v no_o name_n can_v so_o much_o honour_v they_o false_a friend_n therefore_o use_v this_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o other_o hypocrite_n and_o though_o god_n be_v love_n and_o condemn_v nothing_o more_o than_o uncharitableness_n &_o malice_n yet_o these_o be_v common_o by_o falshaâ—ted_a hypocrite_n call_v by_o pious_a virtuous_a name_n and_o god_n himself_o be_v entitle_v to_o they_o so_o that_o few_o worldling_n ambitious_a person_n or_o timeserver_n but_o will_v confident_o pretend_v religion_n for_o all_o their_o falsehood_n to_o their_o friend_n or_o bloody_a cruelty_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o comply_v not_o with_o their_o carnal_a interest_n 12._o perhaps_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n may_v real_o mistake_v your_o case_n and_o think_v that_o you_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n and_o instead_o of_o comfort_v you_o may_v be_v your_o sharp_a censurer_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o notable_a thing_n set_v out_o to_o our_o observation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n it_o be_v not_o the_o small_a part_n of_o his_o affliction_n that_o when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o
i_o against_o i_o do_v they_o devise_v my_o hurt_n a_o evil_a disease_n say_v they_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o and_o now_o that_o he_o lie_v he_o shâ—ll_v rise_v up_o no_o more_o yea_o my_o own_o familiar_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o trust_v that_o do_v eat_v of_o my_o bread_n have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o yet_o we_o may_v add_v aâ—_n he_o v_o 12._o and_n as_o for_o i_o thou_o upholde_v i_o in_o my_o integrity_n and_o set_v i_o before_o thy_o face_n forever_o though_o as_o psal._n 35.7_o etc._n etc._n without_o cause_n they_o have_v hide_v for_o i_o their_o net_n in_o a_o pit_n which_o without_o cause_n they_o have_v dig_v for_o my_o soul_n 11._o and_o false_a witness_n do_v rise_v up_o they_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n thing_n that_o i_o know_v not_o they_o reward_v i_o evil_n for_o good_a 15_o 16._o in_o my_o adversity_n they_o rejoice_v and_o gather_v themselves_o together_o the_o object_n gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o i_o and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o they_o do_v tear_v and_o cease_v not_o with_o hypocritical_a mocker_n in_o feast_n they_o gnash_v upon_o i_o with_o their_o tooth_n 20._o for_o they_o speak_v not_o peace_n but_o they_o devise_v deceitful_a matter_n against_o they_o that_o be_v quiet_a in_o the_o land_n yet_o verse_n 9_o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v joyful_a in_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o salvation_n 10._o all_o my_o bone_n shalâ—_n say_v lord_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o who_o deliver_v the_o poor_a from_o he_o that_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o yea_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a from_o he_o that_o spoil_v he_o though_o friend_n be_v far_o off_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o broken_a heart_n and_o save_v such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o psal._n 34.18_o 19_o the_o lord_n redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o none_o of_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v desolate_a v._n 22._o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o mercy_n for_o he_o have_v consider_v my_o trouble_n and_o have_v know_v and_o own_a my_o soul_n in_o adversity_n and_o have_v not_o shut_v i_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o enemy_n when_o my_o life_n be_v spend_v with_o grief_n and_o my_o year_n with_o sigh_v my_o strength_n fail_v because_o of_o my_o iniquity_n and_o my_o bone_n be_v consume_v i_o be_v a_o reproach_n among_o all_o my_o enemy_n but_o especial_o among_o my_o neighbour_n and_o a_o fear_n to_o my_o acquaintance_n they_o that_o do_v see_v i_o without_o flee_v from_o i_o i_o be_v forget_v and_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n out_o of_o mind_n i_o be_v like_o a_o break_a vessel_n i_o hear_v the_o slander_n of_o many_o fear_n be_v on_o every_o side_n while_o they_o take_v counsel_n together_o against_o i_o they_o devise_v to_o take_v away_o my_o life_n but_o i_o trust_v in_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n my_o time_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n deliver_v i_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o enemy_n and_o from_o they_o that_o persecute_v i_o make_v thy_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o thy_o servant_n save_v i_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v wrought_v for_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o in_o the_o secret_a of_o thy_o presence_n from_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o a_o pavilion_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n psal._n 31._o thus_o god_n be_v with_o we_o when_o man_n be_v far_o from_o we_o or_o against_o we_o his_o people_n find_v by_o happy_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o alone_o because_o he_o be_v nigh_o they_o evil_a shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o unless_o as_o it_o work_v for_o their_o good_a he_o be_v their_o hide_v place_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o trouble_n the_o great_a water-flood_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o he_o will_v compass_v they_o about_o with_o song_n of_o deliverance_n psal._n 32.6_o 7._o 3._o and_o as_o god_n be_v with_o we_o thus_o relative_o and_o efficient_o so_o also_o objective_o for_o our_o holy_a converse_n wherever_o our_o friend_n be_v god_n be_v still_o at_o hand_n to_o be_v the_o most_o profitable_a honourable_a and_o delightful_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o take_v up_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul._n he_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o well_o furnish_v library_n may_v find_v great_a and_o excellent_a employment_n for_o his_o thought_n many_o year_n together_o and_o so_o may_v he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o open_a world_n and_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n to_o meditate_v upon_o but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o book_n and_o creature_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o these_o noble_a study_n he_o that_o be_v alone_o and_o have_v only_a god_n himself_o to_o study_v have_v the_o matter_n and_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o book_n and_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n to_o employ_v his_o thought_n upon_o he_o never_o need_v to_o want_v matter_n for_o his_o meditation_n that_o have_v god_n to_o meditate_v on_o he_o need_v not_o want_v matter_n of_o discourse_n whether_o mental_a or_o vocal_a that_o have_v god_n to_o talk_v of_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o name_n of_o any_o other_o friend_n to_o mention_v all_o our_o affection_n may_v have_v in_o he_o the_o high_a and_o most_o pleasant_a work_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v have_v a_o more_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a work_n than_o to_o love_v he_o he_o want_v neither_o work_n nor_o pleasure_n that_o in_o his_o solitude_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o believe_a contemplation_n of_o eternal_a love_n and_o of_o all_o his_o bless_a attribute_n and_o work_n o_o then_o what_o happy_a and_o delightful_a converse_n may_v a_o believer_n have_v with_o god_n alone_o he_o be_v always_o present_a and_o always_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v speak_v with_o and_o always_o willing_a of_o our_o access_n and_o audience_n he_o have_v no_o interest_n cross_n to_o our_o felicity_n which_o shall_v move_v he_o to_o reject_v we_o as_o worldly_a great_a one_o often_o have_v he_o never_o misunderstand_v we_o nor_o charge_v that_o upon_o we_o which_o we_o be_v never_o guilty_a of_o if_o we_o converse_v with_o man_n their_o mistake_v and_o interest_n and_o passion_n and_o insufficiency_n do_v make_v the_o trouble_n so_o great_a and_o the_o benefit_n so_o small_a that_o many_o have_v become_v thereby_o weary_a of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o human_a society_n and_o have_v spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o day_n alone_o in_o desert_n place_n indeed_o so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o man_n so_o much_o be_v their_o converse_n excellent_a and_o delightful_a and_o they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o have_v most_o of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o vanity_n and_o self_n and_o flesh_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o of_o we_o as_o very_o much_o darkness_n our_o light_n and_o damp_v the_o pleasure_n and_o blast_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o society_n and_o converse_n o_o how_o oft_o have_v i_o be_v solace_v in_o god_n when_o i_o find_v nothing_o but_o deceit_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n how_o oft_o have_v he_o comfort_v i_o when_o it_o be_v pass_v the_o power_n of_o man_n how_o oft_o have_v he_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v i_o when_o all_o the_o help_n of_o man_n be_v vain_a it_o have_v be_v my_o stay_n and_o rest_v to_o look_v to_o he_o when_o the_o creature_n have_v be_v a_o break_a staff_n and_o deceitful_a â—_z have_v be_v but_o as_o a_o break_a tooth_n or_o a_o foot_n that_o be_v out_o of_o joint_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o confidence_n in_o a_o unfaithful_a man_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n prov._n 25.29_o very_o as_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o horrid_a dungeon_n without_o the_o sun_n so_o it_o be_v a_o howl_a wilderness_n a_o place_n of_o no_o considerable_a employment_n or_o delight_n be_v it_o not_o that_o in_o it_o we_o may_v live_v to_o god_n and_o do_v he_o service_n and_o sometime_o be_v refresh_v with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o love_n but_o of_o this_o more_o anoâ—_n use_v 1_o we_o see_v our_o example_n and_o our_o encouragement_n let_v we_o now_o as_o follower_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o and_o to_o live_v upon_o god_n when_o man_n forsake_v we_o and_o to_o know_v that_o while_n god_n be_v with_o we_o we_o be_v not_o
solitude_n i_o may_v have_v henoch_n walk_v with_o god_n i_o shall_v in_o due_a season_n have_v such_o a_o translation_n as_o shall_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o same_o felicity_n which_o he_o enjoy_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o well_o as_o after_o it_o be_v no_o incommodity_n if_o by_o mortal_a eye_n i_o be_v see_v no_o more_o if_o the_o chariot_n of_o contemplation_n will_v in_o solitude_n raise_v i_o to_o more_o believe_v affectionate_a converse_n with_o heaven_n than_o i_o can_v expect_v in_o tumult_n and_o temptation_n it_o shall_v reconcile_v i_o unto_o solitude_n and_o make_v it_o my_o paradise_n on_o earth_n till_o angel_n instead_o of_o the_o chariot_n of_o elias_n shall_v convey_v i_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o my_o glorify_a head_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n object_n but_o it_o be_v grievous_a to_o one_o that_o have_v be_v use_v to_o much_o company_n to_o be_v alone_o answ._n company_n may_v so_o use_v you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o you_o not_o to_o be_v alone_o the_o society_n of_o wasp_n and_o serpent_n may_v be_v spare_v and_o bee_n themselves_o have_v such_o sting_n as_o make_v some_o that_o have_v feel_v they_o think_v they_o buy_v the_o honey_n dear_a but_o can_v you_o say_v you_o be_v alone_o while_o you_o be_v with_o god_n be_v his_o presence_n nothing_o to_o you_o do_v it_o not_o signify_v more_o than_o the_o company_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n say_v hierom_n sapion_n nunquam_fw-la solus_fw-la esse_fw-la potest_fw-la habet_fw-la enim_fw-la secum_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la boni_fw-la &_o si_fw-la hâ—minum_fw-la sit_fw-la inopia_fw-la loquor_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la viz._n a_o wise_a man_n can_v be_v alone_o for_o he_o have_v with_o he_o the_o good_a man_n that_o be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o want_n of_o man_n he_o speak_v with_o god_n he_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o want_n of_o man_n when_o we_o may_v speak_v with_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n be_v here_o reveal_v to_o we_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n and_o that_o we_o do_v converse_v with_o god_n in_o man_n we_o shall_v think_v human_a converse_n little_a worth_n object_n o_o but_o solitude_n be_v disconsolate_a to_o a_o sociable_a mind_n answ._n but_o the_o most_o desirable_a society_n be_v no_o solitude_n say_v hierom_n infinita_fw-la cremi_fw-la vasâ—itas_fw-la te_fw-la terret_fw-la sed_fw-la tu_fw-la paradisum_fw-la ment_fw-la de_fw-la ambula_fw-la quotiescunque_fw-la cogitation_n ac_fw-la ment_fw-la illuc_fw-la conscenderiâ—_n toties_fw-la in_o eremo_fw-la non_fw-la eâ—is_fw-la that_o be_v do_v the_o infinite_a vastness_n of_o the_o wilderness_n terrify_v thou_o but_o do_v thou_o ascend_v in_o mind_n and_o walk_v in_o paradise_n as_o oft_o as_o thou_o ascende_v thither_o in_o thought_n and_o mind_n so_o oft_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n if_o god_n be_v nothing_o to_o thou_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a but_o a_o atheist_n if_o god_n be_v god_n to_o thou_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o thou_o and_o then_o shall_v not_o his_o presence_n be_v instead_o of_o all_o o_o that_o i_o may_v get_v one_o step_n near_o unto_o god_n though_o i_o recede_v many_o from_o all_o the_o world_n o_o that_o i_o can_v find_v that_o place_n on_o earth_n where_o a_o soul_n may_v have_v near_a access_n unto_o he_o and_o full_a knowledge_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o though_o i_o never_o more_o see_v the_o face_n of_o friend_n i_o shall_v cheerful_o say_v with_o my_o bless_a saviour_n i_o be_o not_o alone_a for_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v say_v so_o for_o these_o reason_n follow_v 1._o if_o god_n be_v with_o i_o the_o maker_n and_o ruler_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o be_v with_o i_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v virtual_o with_o i_o in_o he_o i_o have_v that_o in_o gold_n and_o jewel_n which_o i_o seem_v to_o want_v in_o silver_n lead_v and_o dross_n i_o can_v want_v no_o friend_n if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o i_o can_v enjoy_v no_o benefit_n by_o all_o my_o friend_n if_o god_n be_v my_o enemy_n i_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o great_a enemy_n if_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o miss_v the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n if_o i_o have_v this_o bless_a sun_n the_o creature_n be_v nothing_o but_o what_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o in_o god_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o or_o good_a for_o nothing_o but_o what_o its_o worth_n in_o order_n unto_o god_n as_o it_o declare_v he_o and_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o know_v he_o serve_v he_o or_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v idolatry_n in_o the_o unhappy_a worldling_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o creature_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o world_n his_o god_n so_o do_v it_o savour_n of_o the_o same_o heinous_a sin_n to_o lament_v our_o loss_n of_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v my_o enemy_n or_o i_o be_o fall_v under_o his_o indignation_n i_o have_v then_o so_o much_o great_a matter_n to_o lament_v than_o the_o loss_n or_o absence_n or_o frown_n of_o man_n as_o shall_v almost_o make_v i_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o man_n to_o be_v regard_v but_o if_o god_n be_v my_o father_n and_o my_o friend_n in_o christ_n i_o have_v then_o so_o much_o to_o think_v of_o with_o delight_n and_o to_o recreate_v and_o content_v my_o soul_n as_o will_v proclaim_v it_o most_o incongruous_a and_o absurd_a to_o lament_v mordinate_o the_o absence_n of_o a_o woâ—m_n while_o i_o have_v his_o love_n and_o presence_n who_o be_v all_o in_o all._n if_o god_n can_v content_v i_o and_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o i_o how_o be_v he_o then_o my_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v he_o be_v my_o heaven_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v with_o i_o he_o be_v with_o i_o to_o who_o i_o be_o absolute_o devote_v i_o be_o whole_o he_o and_o have_v acknowledge_v his_o interest_n in_o i_o and_o long_o ago_o disclaim_v all_o usurper_n and_o repent_v of_o alienation_n and_o unreserved_o resign_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o where_o shoulâ—_n i_o dwell_v but_o with_o he_o that_o be_v my_o owner_n and_o with_o who_o i_o have_v make_v the_o solemne_v covenant_n that_o ever_o i_o make_v i_o never_o give_v myself_o to_o any_o other_o but_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o with_o a_o salvo_fw-la for_o his_o high_a inviolable_a right_o where_o shall_v my_o good_n be_v but_o in_o my_o own_o house_n with_o who_o shall_v a_o servant_n dwell_v but_o with_o his_o master_n and_o a_o wife_n but_o with_o her_o husband_n and_o child_n but_o with_o theiâ—_n father_n i_o be_o nearly_a relate_v to_o my_o god_n and_o to_o my_o saviour_n than_o i_o be_o to_o any_o of_o my_o relation_n in_o this_o world_n i_o owe_v more_o to_o he_o than_o to_o all_o the_o world_n i_o have_v renounce_v all_o the_o world_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o any_o competition_n or_o comparison_n with_o he_o and_o can_v i_o want_v their_o company_n then_o while_o i_o be_o with_o he_o how_o shall_v i_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brother_n and_o sister_n for_o his_o sake_n if_o i_o can_v spare_v they_o or_o be_v without_o they_o to_o enjoy_v he_o to_o hate_v they_o be_v but_o to_o use_v they_o as_o man_n do_v hate_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o cast_v they_o away_o with_o contempt_n as_o they_o will_v alienate_v i_o from_o christ_n and_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o alone_o i_o be_o now_o marry_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v cheerful_o leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o my_o native_a place_n and_o all_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o with_o who_o shall_v i_o now_o delight_v to_o dwell_v but_o with_o he_o who_o have_v tâ—ken_v i_o into_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v one_o flesh_n with_o he_o o_o my_o dear_a lord_n hide_v not_o thou_o thy_o face_n from_o a_o unkind_a a_o unworthy_a sinner_n let_v i_o but_o dwell_v with_o thou_o and_o see_v thy_o face_n and_o feel_v the_o gracious_a embracement_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o then_o let_v i_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o all_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o see_v it_o meet_a for_o i_o or_o let_v all_o other_o friend_n be_v where_o they_o will_v so_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v with_o thou_o i_o have_v agree_v for_o thy_o sake_n to_o forsake_v all_o even_o the_o dear_a that_o shall_v stand_v against_o thou_o and_o i_o resolve_v by_o thy_o grace_n to_o stand_v to_o this_o agreement_n 3._o if_o god_n be_v with_o i_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a for_o he_o be_v with_o i_o that_o love_v i_o best_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_o
be_v within_o the_o sight_n of_o home_n and_o heaven_n be_v in_o thy_o eye_n and_o thou_o be_v converse_v with_o that_o god_n in_o who_o converse_n the_o high_a angel_n do_v place_n their_o high_a felicity_n and_o delight_n how_o little_a cause_n then_o have_v all_o the_o church_n enemy_n to_o triumph_v that_o can_v never_o shut_v up_o a_o true_a believer_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o god_n nor_o banish_v he_o into_o such_o a_o place_n where_o he_o can_v have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n the_o stone_n that_o be_v cast_v at_o holy_a stephen_n can_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o patmos_n allow_v holy_a john_n communion_n with_o christ_n be_v there_o in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n rev._n 1.9_o 10._o christ_n never_o so_o speedy_o and_o comfortable_o ow_v his_o servant_n as_o when_o the_o world_n disow_v they_o and_o abuse_v they_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o hurl_v they_o up_o and_o down_o as_o the_o scorn_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o he_o quick_o find_v the_o blind_a man_n that_o he_o have_v cure_v when_o once_o the_o jew_n have_v cast_v he_o out_o joh._n 9.35_o persecutor_n do_v but_o promote_v the_o blessedness_n and_o exceed_a joy_n of_o sufferer_n for_o christ_n mat._n 5.11.12_o and_o how_o little_a reason_n then_o have_v christian_n to_o shun_v such_o suffering_n by_o unlawful_a mean_n which_o turn_v to_o their_o so_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o give_v so_o dear_a as_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o wilful_a sin_n to_o escape_v the_o honour_n and_o safety_n and_o commodity_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o indeed_o we_o judge_v not_o we_o love_v not_o we_o â—ive_a not_o as_o sanctify_v one_o must_v do_v if_o we_o judge_v not_o that_o the_o true_a liberty_n and_o love_v it_o not_o as_o the_o best_a condition_n in_o which_o we_o may_v best_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o o_o how_o much_o hard_a be_v it_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o a_o court_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o sensual_a delight_n than_o in_o a_o prison_n or_o wilderness_n where_o we_o have_v none_o to_o interrupt_v we_o and_o nothing_o else_o to_o take_v we_o up_o it_o be_v our_o prepossessed_a mind_n our_o earthly_a heart_n our_o carnal_a affection_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o prosperous_a state_n that_o be_v the_o prison_n and_o the_o jailer_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o how_o free_a shall_v we_o be_v though_o our_o body_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o straight_a room_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n that_o can_v walk_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o this_o his_o heavenly_a conversation_n and_o he_o be_v the_o prisoner_n who_o soul_n be_v chain_v to_o flesh_n and_o earth_n and_o confine_v to_o his_o land_n and_o house_n and_o feed_v on_o the_o dust_n of_o worldly_a riches_n or_o wallow_v in_o the_o dung_n and_o filth_n of_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n and_o lust_n that_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v near_o he_o but_o say_v to_o he_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o will_v not_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n that_o love_n their_o prison_n and_o chain_n so_o well_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v set_v free_a but_o hate_v those_o with_o the_o cruel_a hatred_n that_o endeavour_v their_o deliverance_n those_o be_v the_o poor_a prisoner_n of_o satan_n that_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o believe_v nor_o to_o love_n god_n nor_o converse_v in_o heaven_n nor_o serious_o to_o mind_n or_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v high_a and_o honourable_a that_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o meditate_v or_o pray_v or_o serious_o to_o speak_v of_o holy_a thing_n nor_o to_o love_n and_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o do_v so_o that_o be_v tie_v so_o hard_o to_o the_o drudgery_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o have_v not_o liberty_n one_o month_n or_o week_n or_o day_n to_o leave_v it_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n so_o much_o as_o for_o recreation_n but_o he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o family_n of_o god_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o attend_v he_o and_o do_v converse_v with_o christ_n and_o the_o host_n of_o holy_a one_o above_o in_o reason_n shall_v not_o much_o complain_v of_o his_o want_n of_o friend_n or_o company_n or_o accommodation_n nor_o yet_o be_v too_o impatient_a of_o any_o corporal_a confinement_n last_o be_v sure_a than_o most_o narrow_o to_o watch_v your_o heart_n that_o nothing_o have_v entertainment_n there_o which_o be_v against_o your_o liberty_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n fill_v not_o those_o heart_n with_o worldly_a trash_n which_o be_v make_v and_o new-made_a to_o be_v the_o dwell_a place_n of_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o company_n which_o will_v diminish_v your_o heavenly_a acquaintance_n and_o correspondency_n be_v not_o unfriendly_a nor_o conceit_v of_o a_o self-sufficiency_n but_o yet_o beware_v lest_o under_o the_o honest_a ingenuous_a title_n of_o a_o friend_n a_o special_a faithful_a prudent_a faithful_a friend_n you_o shall_v entertain_v a_o idol_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o your_o love_n of_o god_n or_o a_o corrival_n and_o competitor_n with_o your_o high_a friend_n for_o if_o you_o do_v it_o be_v not_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o a_o friend_n that_o will_v save_v you_o from_o the_o thorn_n and_o briar_n of_o disquietment_n and_o from_o great_a trouble_n than_o ever_o you_o find_v from_o open_a enemy_n o_o bless_a be_v that_o high_a and_o everlasting_a friend_n who_o be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o the_o upright_a soul_n to_o their_o mind_n their_o memory_n their_o delight_n their_o love_n etc._n etc._n by_o sure_a truth_n by_o full_a goodness_n by_o clear_a light_n by_o dear_a love_n by_o firm_a constancy_n etc._n etc._n o_o why_o have_v my_o drowsy_a and_o dark-sighted_n soul_n be_v so_o seldom_o with_o he_o why_o have_v it_o so_o often_o so_o strange_o and_o so_o unthankful_o pass_v by_o and_o not_o observe_v he_o nor_o hearken_v to_o his_o kind_a call_n o_o what_o be_v all_o this_o trash_n and_o trouble_v that_o have_v fill_v my_o memory_n and_o employ_v my_o mind_n and_o cheat_v and_o corrupt_v my_o affection_n while_o my_o dear_a lord_n have_v be_v day_n and_o night_n so_o unworthy_o forget_v so_o contemptuous_o neglect_v and_o disregard_v and_o love_v as_o if_o i_o love_v he_o not_o o_o that_o these_o drowsy_a and_o those_o wake_a night_n those_o loiter_v lose_v and_o empty_a hour_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o humble_a converse_n with_o he_o which_o have_v be_v dream_v and_o dote_v away_o upon_o now_o i_o know_v not_o what_o o_o my_o god_n how_o much_o wise_a and_o happy_a have_v i_o be_v have_v i_o rather_o choose_v to_o mourn_v with_o thou_o than_o to_o rejoice_v and_o sport_v with_o any_o other_o o_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o weep_v with_o thou_o than_o laugh_v with_o the_o creature_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v let_v that_o be_v my_o friend_n that_o most_o befriend_v my_o dark_a and_o dull_a and_o backward_a soul_n in_o its_o undertake_a progress_n and_o heavenly_a conversation_n or_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o upon_o earth_n let_v i_o here_o take_v one_o for_o my_o friend_n o_o blot_n out_o every_o name_n from_o my_o corrupt_a heart_n which_o hinder_v the_o deep_a engrave_v of_o thy_o name_n ah_o lord_n what_o a_o stone_n what_o a_o blind_a ungrateful_a thing_n be_v a_o heart_n not_o touch_v with_o celestial_a love_n yet_o shall_v i_o not_o run_v to_o thou_o when_o i_o have_v none_o else_o that_o will_v know_v i_o shall_v i_o not_o draw_v near_o thou_o when_o all_o fly_n from_o i_o when_o daily_a experience_n cry_v out_o so_o loud_o none_o but_o christ_n god_n or_o nothing_o ah_o foolish_a heart_n that_o have_v think_v of_o it_o where_o be_v that_o place_n that_o cave_n or_o desert_n where_o i_o may_v soon_o find_v thou_o and_o full_a enjoy_v thou_o be_v it_o in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o thou_o walk_v or_o in_o the_o crowd_n in_o the_o closet_n or_o in_o the_o church_n where_o be_v it_o that_o i_o may_v soon_o meet_v with_o god_n but_o alas_o i_o now_o perceive_v that_o i_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o find_v before_o i_o be_o like_a to_o find_v my_o lord_n o_o loveless_n lifeless_a stony_a heart_n that_o be_v dead_a to_o he_o that_o give_v it_o life_n and_o to_o none_o but_o he_o can_v i_o not_o love_n or_o think_v or_o feel_v at_o all_o methinks_v i_o be_v less_o dead_a than_o now_o less_o dead_a if_o dead_a than_o now_o i_o be_o alive_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v lord_n let_v i_o never_o love_v more_o till_o i_o can_v love_v thou_o nor_o think_v more_o on_o any_o thing_n till_o i_o can_v more_o willing_o think_v of_o thou_o but_o i_o must_v suppress_v that_o