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

Now he grudges that any thing should have his love but his God; his dearest Relations, if they stand in Gods way, must be run over, despised, hated. That which the men of the world fight, and kill, and spare not to damn their souls for, he sees now to be a pitiful worthless thing, which can't defer Death a moment, nor stand him in any stead in another world. He is all for that coin which will go currant in another Country; and if he be but rich in promises, rich in spiritual relations, rich in grace, he takes himself for no unhappy man; let the world speak or think what they will of him, he doth not much pass upon it, he believes that he is but a pilgrim and stranger here, and if he meet with no great kindness, it is but that which he expected. The truth of it is, he is almost afraid of the smiles of the world, not being ignorant of this, ⟨p. 201⟩that whom it kisses, it intends to betray, he can't be overfond of that which in all probability will keep God and him at a greater distance, and make his passage to glory next to impossible. He reckons that it's better being rich in grace, then rich in purse; and he that which lay up for his body, and provides not for his soul, is the greatest fool in the world. Tell such a one as Moses of riches, honours, & preferments, he thinks them but poor sorry things for a man of Israel to be taken with, and he will rather see them in the dirt, then part company with his suffering brethren, much less with God. It is storied of Anaxagoras, that he seemed to be very little concerned when his country was in a flame, upon which being taxed by some, he made this reply, There is none of you all care more for your country then I do for nine; pointing with his finger up to heaven. Thus it is with the people of God; let others talk of Riches and Honour, but there is none of them all do value true Riches as they do; but here's the difference, one thinks he hath Riches when he hath the command of a great deal of Gold and Silver, the other knows he hath Riches when he hath Christ, and Grace, and can have good returns out of that other World. And which of these are the wisest will ere long be seen. One looks upon heaven & glory as a shadow, a fable, and the things of this World, as the only realities;

Now he grudges that any thing should have his love but his God; his dearest Relations, if they stand in Gods way, must be run over, despised, hated. That which the men of the world fight, and kill, and spare not to damn their souls for, he sees now to be a pitiful worthless thing, which can't defer Death a moment, nor stand him in any stead in another world. He is all for that coin which will go currant in another Country; and if he be but rich in promises, rich in spiritual relations, rich in grace, he takes himself for no unhappy man; let the world speak or think what they will of him, he doth not much pass upon it, he believes that he is but a pilgrim and stranger here, and if he meet with no great kindness, it is but that which he expected. The truth of it is, he is almost afraid of the smiles of the world, not being ignorant of this,