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

I say, when all this is done, you must remember all falls short of what it is, and that since the beginning of the world men have not heard, neither can it enter into the heart of man, to conceive what a God is worth, what a friend you may have of him, if you will but speedily be acquainted with him. His Kingdom hath no bounds, and his Dominions reach further then both the Indies. The small love-tokens that he sends now and then to his Beloved into a far country, are of infinitely more value then all the Lockets of Diamonds and richest Pearls and Jewels in the world, Pro. 8. Behold how merrily Rebekah looks upon a sorry Jewel or two presented by Eliezer from his Master, how soon is her heart conquered? and why should we not be more taken with things of far greater worth? What, is all this, as much as nothing with you? Methinks your hearts should be all in a fire: methinks, you should quickly say, O that I could but see him! who will bring me acquainted with him, he shall have my heart, my dearest love? Methinks, should I ask you the same question that they did Rebekah, Wilt thou go a long with me to such a friend? you should readily, without any further dispute say, yea, with all my heart, and think long to be up and ⟨p. 109⟩going. Why then do you talk of a year, a mouth longer? O what ail poor Creatures to make us stand waiting so long for an answer? Do you ever expect a better offer? Do you look to advance your selves somewhere else? Can you hope for a better, a richer match? Go thee and search out among all thy Lovers which make suit to thee, which of them can feed thee with such costly viands, which of them can clothe you in such Royal Apparel? which of then can make you such a Jointure? Consider wisely and speedily, that I may turn to the right hand or the left. What, saith thou, canst thou amongst them all better thy self? Is there any one like him? Is there any of the Sons of the mighty comparable to him? Are any of the Kings, or great ones of the Earth able to make you such an offer, or should they, can any of them make it good? What, have you yet resolved upon the point or not? What it is you stand for, I pray do you question the truth of what I speak? Do you make account I speak of the highest, and make the best of things?

I say, when all this is done, you must remember all falls short of what it is, and that since the beginning of the world men have not heard, neither can it enter into the heart of man, to conceive what a God is worth, what a friend you may have of him, if you will but speedily be acquainted with him. His Kingdom hath no bounds, and his Dominions reach futher then both the Indies. The small love-tokens that he sends now and then to his Beloved into a far country, are of infinitely more value then all the Lockets of Diamonds and richest Pearls and Jewels in the world,