The Soul's Conflict with Itself

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