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

the water which was intended to cool divine love, proves oil, and makes that noble flame to burn more vehemently, Cant. 8.6, 7. He desires to exercise that Grace which is contrary to the vice which he is tempted to with more then ordinary vigour. He stands like a rock in the midst of the Sea unshaken; he is steadfast and unmovable, like a pillar in the Temple of his God. He is much of the same mind, in that point, with that brave Heathen, who spake thus to himself when Temptation was strong. (Ar. Epist. 1.2. c. 18.) Deliberate man, yield not rashly, tis a great work that lies upon thy hands, tis a divine work. 'tis for a Kingdom, the Kingdom of God. Now remember thy God, let's see what thy love to thy God is, remember his presence, he beholds how thou standest deliberating whether thou shouldest fight for him or against him, for shame show not thy self so basely disingenuous: Remember what thy God, thy Friend did for thee at such and such a time: Remember how kindly you were entertained by him the last time you were at his house. Whose Sword is that you wear by your side? who gave you it? did not God give it you to fight against his enemies? and will you draw it against himself? Remember from whence you had all ⟨p. 193⟩that you do enjoy, and can you find in your heart to take Gods mercies, Gold, Silver, and Food, and bestow them all upon that which he hates? will you quarter & keep in pay with Gods coin, his greatest enemy? And if you feel your heart still staggering, and scarce able to keep it's ground, then remember God stands by, Christ looks on, and sees how gallantly any Champion of his will demean themselves on his quarrel; & that there is not a more lovely sight upon the Earth, then to behold one of his Friends, rather venturing their lives then they will bare that the least indignity or affront should be put upon their God! O happy are they that can always act as in the sight of God! and if the Soul can have but a constant fresh sense of it's relation to God, and his eye, it is impossible but that it should hate sin, which is so directly opposite to him: happy are those who by the thoughts of God are enraged against sin!

the water which was intended to cool divine love, proves oyl, and makes that noble flame to burn more vehemently,