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

Doth a dying man that hath a never-dying Soul, that is to pass speedily into an eternal state, lack an ever-dying & immortal friend, that may stand him in some stead, when immortal? Are not friends sometimes furthest off from one, when one hath most need of them? Is not he then a friend highly to be prized, who can, who will never be absent? Doth not God fill heaven and earth? What think you of a Soul-friend? Is not such a one worth the looking after, who takes care that your Soul to be sure shall not miscarry? Who ever did more for Souls then Christ? Will it not be true prudence to make sure of such a friend as we must have for our friend, or we are miserable for ever? and where is such a one to be found, but he that hath the keys of heaven an hell? which is most considerable, Time, or Eternity? and whom shall I most value, him that promiseth present pleasures that are lost as soon as felt, or him that will bestow everlasting favours? and are there not at Gods right hand pleasures for evermore? If the trial and experience of so many millions may speak his commendation, will not all that ever knew ⟨p. 178⟩God say, truly God is good to Israel. Will Gods willingness, desire, and earnestness prevail with you to come to him? What is the substance of the whole Bible? doth not almost every Chapter speak the desire that God hath to be reconciled to man? if the perfection of all excellencies meeting in one can render him amiable; how can he be slighted, who is altogether lovely; And what say you now, are you resolved, or are you not? Shall the infinite Majesty of Heaven condescend to offer himself to be loved and embraced by sinful dust? shall God say, I will be thy Father? and shall not the sinner say, I would be thy Child? Why should not the heart of every Apostate rebellious Traitor, that hath forfeited Estate, Life and Soul, leap at such good news, and say, will God for all this lay aside the controversy, and conclude a peace? Will he receive the rebel to mercy? will he open his doors to his prodigal? and is there yet any hope? Is it possible that such sins as mine should be forgiven? Can it be conceived that such a Creature as I should be embraced? what, look upon me, will God indeed take me into favour? Yes, thee, behold he calls thee, he offers thee his Son, a Kingdom, a Crown; behold the Father meets, he makes hast to meet his returning prodigal;

Doth a dying man that hath a never-dying Soul, that is to pass speedily into an eternal state, lack an ever-dying & immortal friend, that may stand him in some stead, when immortal? Are not friends sometimes furthest off from one, when one hath most need of them? Is not he then a friend highly to be prized, who can, who will never be absent? Doth not God fill heaven and earth? What think you of a Soul-friend? Is not such a one worth the looking after, who takes care that your Soul to be sure shall not miscarry? Who ever did more for Souls then Christ? Will it not be true prudence to make sure of such a friend as we must have for our friend, or we are miserable for ever? and where is such a one to be found, but he that hath the keys of heaven an hell? which is most considerable, Time, or Eternity? and whom shall I most value, him that promiseth present pleasures that are lost as soon as felt, or him that will bestow everlasting favours? and are there not at Gods right hand pleasures for evermore? If the trial and experience of so many millions may speak his commendation, will not all that ever knew