Heaven upon earth, or, The best friend in the worst of times. Delivered in…

MOTIVES.

The first Head of Motives that I shall insist upon to enforce this Exhortation, shall be taken from the nature of the Person that I would have you acquainted with. Consider well what kind of friend you are like to have of him; and if, after you have well weighed what I shall (with Gods ⟨p. 64⟩leave) say, you can find out any one in Heaven or in Earth that will be a better friend to you, and stand you in more stead; if in all the world you bring one that deserves better at your hands, and is more worthy of your choicest love, and acquaintance, if I bid you to your loss, why then let me bare the blame of a Cheater for ever. And if after trial, through trial, and intimate acquaintance, you find your self deceived, and that it was not worth the while to give your self so much trouble, why then let me be branded to Eternity for the veriest Liar and Impostor in the world. For my part, I envy not men their happiness, but I wish with all my heart, that men would do that which may be most for their interest. It was the counsel of Epictetus, none of the weakest men, though a Heathen, Make choice of that which is really most Excellent; and if there be a Friend to be found better then thy God, the first thing thou dost, get an interest in him. But consider whether there be not a contradiction in the terms, Better then the best; it's perfect nonsense. I know it's impossible for any one that hath right apprehensions of God to undervalue him. Wherefore it is a grand piece of Religion, to have clear apprehensions of God; such can't but believe him to be infinitely Lovely, Wise, and powerful, and to be obeyed in all things; and all the reason in the world to acquiesce in his will, who is so good and so wise; such will place happiness in nothing below his favour. Wherefore I think Plutarch was not mistaken, who affirmed, That mans life was given him of God, only to get the knowledge of God. But I shall be a little more particular in speaking to the excellent qualifications of ⟨p. 65⟩him, whom I would fain get every poor sinner acquainted with.