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

14thly, He is a present friend, a friend that is always in all places. Mans condition may possible be such, as that he may be deprived of the company of his dearest worldly relations, he may be sequestered from the society of his most helpful and necessary friends! How oft have the dear children of God been clapped up in Dungeons, not only from the sight, but from the knowledge of their most affectionate acquaintance? It's no unusual thing for them to be banished from their native Country. Wives and Children, among Savage Men and beast; they have no man to make their complaints to, but such as will increase their sorrows. How frequently may they be in such a condition, as that they may not see, hear or speak to any friend? what ⟨p. 143⟩Bolts and Bars, what Walls and Guards to keep them from them, which if they could not free them from, yet might in some measure alleviate their misery? But now God is such a friend, who cannot, who will not be kept out from his by Walls of Brass, or bars of Iron, he will find out his friends in the darkest hole, and bare them company there in spite of all the powers of Hell. O how reviving are his visits? What Cordials doth he bring along with him. This is that which makes the people of God so very cheerful, when their enemies make account their condition is such, as that it hath no mixture of joy or comfort in it. Was that a Prison or Heaven where those Martyrs were singing Hallelujahs? Was that a time to be so merry, when all the world disowned them, when they were loaded with reproaches, and irons, and chains, counted the troublers of the nation, mad-men, heretics? The case is clear: the sight of this friend made them forget their Scorns, and think their chains Gold, and their prison Liberty. It was God that spake it, and he hath been found to be as good as his word, Isa. 43.1, 2. Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine: When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the Rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Who was that which bore the three children company in the fiery furnace? who was that which went into the Lions Den to visit Daniel?

14thly, He is a present friend, a friend that is alwayes in all places. Mans condition may possible be such, as that he may be deprived of the company of his dearest worldly relations, he may be sequestred from the society of his most helpful and necessary friends! How oft have the dear children of God been clapt up in Dungeons, not only from the sight, but from the knowledge of their most affectionate acquaintance? It's no unusual thing for them to be banish'd from their native Country. Wives and Children, among Savage Men and beast; they have no man to make their complaints to, but such as will increase their sorrows. How frequently may they be in such a condition, as that they may not see, hear or speak to any friend? what