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

I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me. This is one of Gods Champions, he watches, he keeps upon his guard, he fights stoutly, he stands his ground, in every thing he demeans himself gallantly, he quits himself like a Soldier of Christ; and that which makes him thus valiant, ⟨p. 224⟩is because he is so near his Captain. Ask Epictetus what made Socrates do as he did, and he will tell you (l. 3. c. 22) It was because he was a Friend of God, his Servant, and partaker of his Kingdom. This is strange Language of a Heathen! but had he known what it was to live under the most lively sense of Gods love, to have had such intimate converse with him, as some Christians have had, what would he have said? As for the Saint that keeps close to God, he keeps close to duty; his work is to serve, love, and praise God: this is his business, both by himself, and with others.

I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me. This is one of Gods Champions, he watches, he keeps upon his guard, he fights stoutly, he stands his ground, in every thing he demeans himself gallantly, he quits himself like a Souldier of Christ; and that which makes him thus valiant, ⟨p. 224⟩is because he is so near his Captain. Ask Epictetus what made Socrates do as he did, and he will tell you (l. 3. c. 22) It was because he was a Friend of God, his Servant, and partaker of his Kingdom. This is strang Language of a Heathen! but had he known what it was to live under the most lively sence of Gods love, to have had such intimate converse with him, as some Christians have had, what would he have said? As for the Saint that keeps close to God, he keeps close to duty; his work is to serve, love, and praise God: this is his business, both by himself, and with others.

7. Another excellent effect of this acquaintance with God, is, it will make a man Patient under all the dispensations of Gods providence, in all conditions to be content, in quietness to possess his Spirit: Acquaintance with God will make him be at peace, not to open his mouth against God, whatsoever he lays upon him. What was it that kept such a calm in Pauls heart, when there was such a constant storm without him? was it not his sense of his interest in Gods love? though all the world were his enemies, yet as long as Christ was his Friend, he doth not care; though men and devils be against him, yet if God be for him, he passeth not much upon it: though men be never so unjust: yet God will never be so, that's his comfort. It's a small matter for him to be judged with mans judgment, as long as he is sure that God will acquit him; he knows that justice it self will do him no wrong, infinite goodness could not be unkind, and that wisdom it self could work glorious effects out of these things, which the world call evil; if he do receive evil at