But because we are subject to favour 1and flatter our selves, it is wisdom to take the benefit of a second self, (that is) a well chosen friend living or dead, (books I mean,) which will speak truly without flattery of our estates. A friend is made for the time of Adversity 2and two are better than one; for by this means our troubles are divided, and so more easily borne. The very presence of a true hearted friend yields often ease to our grief. Of all friends, those ⟨p. 223⟩that by office are to speak a word to a weary soul, are most to be regarded, as speaking to us in Christs stead. Oftentimes, (especially in our own case) we are blinded and benighted with passion, and then the judgement of a friend is clearer. Living friends have a three-fold privilege. 1, their advice 3is suitable, and fit to our present occasion, they can meet with our grievance, so cannot books so well. 2, what comes 4from a living friend, comes lively, as helped by his spirit. 3, in regard of our selves, what they say is apprehended 5with more ease, and less plodding and bent of mind; There is scarce any thing wherein we see God more in favour towards us, then in our friends, and their seasonable speeches; our hearts being naturally very false and willingly deceived. God often gives us up to be mislead by men, not according to his, but our own naughty hearts. As men are, such are their Counsellors, for such they will have, and such God lets them have. Men whose wills are stronger then their wits, who are wedded to ⟨p. 224⟩their own ways, are more pleased to hear that which complies with their inclinations, then a harsh trueth which crosses them; this presages ruin, because they are not counsellable: wherefore GOD suffers them to be led through a fools paradise to a true prison, as men that will neither hear themselves nor others who would do them good against their wills; It was a sign God would destroy Eli's sons 6when they would hear no counsel; God fills such men with their own 7ways. Men in great place often in the abundance of all things else, want the 8benefit of a true friend, because under pretence of service of them men carry their own ends, as they flatter themselves, so they are flattered by others, and so robbed of the true judgement of themselves.
BVt because we are subject to favour 1and flatter our selves, it is wisedome to take the benefit of a second selfe, (that is) a well chosen friend living or dead, (books I meane,) which wil speak truly without flattery of our estates. A friend is made for the time of Adversity 2and two are better than one; for by this meanes our troubles are divided, and so more easily borne. The very presence of a true hearted friend yeelds often ease to our griefe. Of all friends, those ⟨p. 223⟩that by office are to speake a word to a weary soule, are most to be regarded, as speaking to us in Christs stead. Oftentimes, (especially in our owne case) wee are blinded and benighted with passion, and then the judgement of a friend is clearer. Living friends have a three-fold priviledge. 1, their advice 3is sutable, and fit to our present occasion, they can meet with our grievance, so cannot bookes so wel. 2, what comes 4from a living friend, comes lively, as helped by his spirit. 3, in regard of our selves, what they say is apprehended 5with more ease, and lesse plodding and bent of minde; There is scarce any thing wherein we see God more in favour towards us, then in our friends, and their seasonable speeches; our hearts being naturally very false and willingly deceived. God often gives us up to be mislead by men, not according to his, but our owne naughty hearts. As men are, such are their Counsellors, for such they will have, and such God lets them have. Men whose wills are stronger then their wits, who are wedded to ⟨p. 224⟩their owne wayes, are more pleased to heare that which complies with their inclinations, then a harsh trueth which crosses them; this presages ruine, because they are not counsellable: wherefore GOD suffers them to bee ledde through a fooles paradise to a true prison, as men that will neither heare themselves nor others who would doe them good against their wills; It was a signe God would destroy Elies sonnes 6when they would heare no counsell; God fills such men with their owne 7
- 1There is a help for us against troublesin othersThere is a helpe for us against troublesin others
- 2Pro. 17. 17.
- 31.
- 42.
- 53.
- 61. Sam. 2. 25.
- 7Pro. 14. 14.
- 8Ideo amicus deest quia nihildeest.
