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

3. Another glorious effect of Acquaintance with God, is, that it makes one to have very low and undervaluing thoughts of the world. When the Saint hath been with Paul raised up to the third Heaven, when he hath had some intimate converse with God, he can look the world into almost nothing; nay, if it stand in competition with Christ, he counts it but as dung and dross in comparison of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord, Phil. 3.8. he can then set a higher value upon the light of Gods countenance, ⟨p. 198⟩than upon Corn, and Wine, and Oil. It is because that poor Creatures know no better, that they dote so much upon the world; did they but know what it is to have one look of love from God, were they but acquainted with the glory of another world, they would soon disrelish every thing else; nothing will down with them which have been feasted in Gods House, but those royal dainties. Taste the world who will, saith the Saint, give me but more Grace, more of Christs company, let me but maintain an intimate familiarity with God, let me be but better acquainted with him, and be more frequently refreshed with the smiles, this is all that I desire upon earth, this is all that I expect to make my happiness complete in Heaven. Whom have I in Heaven but thee? And there is none upon Earth that I can desire in comparison of thee. It was not without good reason that the Psalmist prizes the Commands of God above Gold and Silver; it was no mistake in Solomon to count Wisdom more excellent than the finest Gold, and more precious than Rubies. That spiritual Merchant knew what he did when he sold all that he had for that Pearl of great price; he was sure he should be no loser by such a bargain. Bring me a heavenly Creature that hath had a view by Faith, of the Glory of Gods countenance, that hath been in his company, that hath been brought into his Banqueting house, such a one I am confident can easily spare that which most keep such a fearful stir about, he can spare the world for them which are like to have no better a portion. Give him but more of those spiritual pleasures which he hath had in communion with God, and he desires no more. ⟨p. 199⟩He can now speak it, and speak it in good earnest, that there is no comparison between this world and another;