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

his Vessel is light and strong, the Master of it never made a loosing voyage. All his wares are unvaluable; and though his ship be in many a dreadful storm, though sometimes she be becalmed, though it be long before she return; yet as long as she hath such Provisions within, such a Pilot, such Anchors, she can't miscarry, she will come into the Harbour Richly Laden: The world will not believe this, but I am sure there is never a man breathing, but will sooner say, that no gain is like the gain of Christ and Glory. One return from Heaven, one answer of Prayer, one smile from God, one look of love, the head of one Goliath, the death of one Sin, one ⟨p. 259⟩Soul brought home to Christ, one drooping soul comforted, is a greater mercy (for all the ignorant world make nothing of such things as these) than to be invested with the greatest Honours, than to be possessed of all the Riches, than to enjoy all the Pleasures that the whole world can afford. But O, were mens eyes opened, were men within sight of those devouring Flames, then they would believe that a Christ were worth the having; Grace a Pearl that cannot be overvalued, and that no Trade was comparable to a Spiritual Merchant, no Art like that, by which one may turn every thing into Gold. But if it be the good of pleasure you look more after; can there be greater pleasures than those which are in the presence of God? Can there be any greater pleasures, than to rejoice in God, and to be made welcome by him, than to drink Flagons of that excellent Liquor, which is better than wine? Can there be better Music, than to hear so many Millions of sweet Voices singing Hallelujahs! O there's a Comfort! There's Melody indeed! If you desire that other good, the good of Honesty, a rare accomplishment, perfection of Grace, purity of Soul; wherewithal shall a young man choose his ways, but by taking heed thereto, according to his word. Well then, lay all these Motives together, and let's see whether they will any whit prevail. If the nature of the person with whom I would fain have you acquainted, if all these admirable qualities that are in him (if I may so call them) may signify any thing, if all those glorious effects of acquaintance with God. weigh any thing with you, one would think by this time you should be well resolved. If the ⟨p. 260⟩danger of not being acquainted with God, may make you afraid of standing it out;