Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

4. Because that Love which is built upon Holiness is the most durable and lasting. ⟨p. 17⟩There is a confederacy in Evil, as between Drunkards with Drunkards, and Robbers with Robbers, Prov. 1. 14. Cast in thy lot amongst us, let us all have one common purse. Or when men conspire against the Truth and Interest of Christ in the World, as Gebal and Amon and Amalek leagued themselves against Gods People; divided in Interests, but united in Hatred; as the Pharisees and Herodians agreed together to Tempt Christ; and Herod and Pilate, tho' otherwise no very good Friends, agreed to mock him; this is unitas contra unitatem, as Austin, or consortium factionis, a bond of Iniquity. Now this Friendship is soon dissolved, for these men though they agree in Evil yet have contrary Lusts and Interests; and besides, Partners in Evil are usually Objects reviving Guilt; their very Presence upbraids the Consciences of one another with the Remembrance of their past sins, and sin though it be sweet in the committing yet it is hateful and bitter in the Remembrance of it. Again there is a Civil Friendship, built on natural Pleasure and Profit. Certainly men are at liberty to choose their Company, as their Interests and course of Employments leads them. This may be a Society for Trade or Civil Respect, it cannot be a true and proper Friendship, for ⟨p. 18⟩Riches which are so frail and slippery can never make a firm tie and bond of Hearts and Minds, Prov. 14. 20. The poor is hated even of his own neighbour, but the rich hath many friends. Prov. 19. 6. Many will entreat the favour of a prince, and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him, &c. And as it is a fluid, so it is a base and sordid Friendship that is built upon Riches, for that concerneth the Estate rather than the Soul. Well then, Religious Friendship which is built upon Virtue and Grace, and is called the Unity of the Spirit, Eph. 4. 3. is the most firm bond of all. Sinful Societies are soon dissolved and the Profane though they seem to hold together yet upon every cross Word may fall out and break; and Civil Friendship, which is only built upon Pleasures and Profit standeth upon a brittle foundation. Certainly the Good and the Holy are not so changeable as the Bad and the Carnal.