The divine life in three treatises

Answ. But the most desirable society is no solitude: saith Hierome [Infinita eremi vastitas te terret? sed tu Paradisum meant deambula: Quotiescunque cogitation ac meant illuc conscenderis, toties in eremo non eris] that is [Doth the infinite vastness of the wilderness terrify thee? But do thou (ascend) in mind and walk in Paradise: As oft as thou ascendest thither in thought and mind, so oft thou shalt not be in the wilderness.] If God be nothing to thee, thou art not a Christian but an Atheist. If God be God to thee, he is All in all to thee; and then should not his presence be instead of all? O that I might get one step nearer unto God, though I receded many from all the world! O that I could find that place on earth where a sou• may have nearest access unto him, and fullest knowledge and enjoyment of him, though I never more saw the face of friends! I should cheerfully say with my blessed Saviour [I am not alone, for the Father is with me.] And I should say so for these Reasons following.

Answ. But the most desirable society is no solitude: saith Hierome [Infinita eremi vastitas te terret? sed tu Paradisum mente deambula: Quotiescunque cogitatione ac mente illuc conscenderis, toties in eremo non eris] that is [Doth the infinite vastness of the wilderness terrifie thee? But do thou (ascend) in mind and walk in Paradise: As oft as thou ascendest thither in thought and mind, so oft thou shalt not be in the wilderness.] If God be nothing to thee, thou art not a Christian but an Atheist. If God be God to thee, he is All in all to thee; and then should not his presence be instead of all? O that I might get one step nearer unto God, though I receded many from all the world! O that I could find that place on earth where a sou• may have nearest access unto him, and fullest knowledge and enjoyment of him, though I never more saw the face of friends! I should chearfully say with my blessed Saviour [I am not alone, for the Father is with me.] And I should say so for these Reasons following.

1. If God be with me, the Maker, and Ruler, and Disposer of all is with me: so that all things are virtually with me in him. I have that in Gold and Jewels which I seem to want in Silver, Lead and Dross. I can want no friend if God vouchsafe to be my friend; and I can enjoy no benefit by all my friends, if God be my enemy: I need not fear the greatest enemies, if God be