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

XII. DIRECTION.

If you would be acquainted with God, resolvedly and freely given up your self to him, and enter into a most solemn Covenant with him. And here I shall make bold with that Reverend Author which R. A. doth mention in his Vindicia Pietatis, and present you again with that excellent Form with the preparatories to it, which I have lately met with in the forementioned Author. After ⟨p. 363⟩your most serious addresses to God, and after a deliberate consideration of the terms of this Covenant; and after a thorough search of your own heart, whether you either have already, or can now freely make such a closure with God in Christ, as you have been exhorted to: And when you have composed your spirits into the most serious frame possible, suitable to a transaction of so high a nature, Lay hold upon the Covenant, and reply upon his promise of giving grace and strength, whereby you may be enabled to perform your promise. Resolve in the next place to be faithful, having engaged your hearts, and opened your mouths, and subscribed with your hands to the Lord; resolve in his strength never to go back. And being thus prepared, and some convenient time being set apart for the purpose, set upon the work, & in the most solemn manner possible, as if the Lord were visibly present before your eyes; fall down on your knees, and spreading forth your hands towards Heaven, open your hearts to the Lord in these or the like words.

If you would be acquainted with God, resolvedly and freely given up your self to him, and enter into a most solemn Covenant with him. And here I shall make bold with that Reverend Author which R. A. doth mention in his Vindicia Pietatis, and present you again with that excellent Form with the preparatories to it, which I have lately met with in the forementioned Author. After ⟨p. 363⟩your most serious addresses to God, and after a deliberate consideration of the terms of this Covenant; and after a thorow search of your own heart, whether you either have already, or can now freely make such a closure with God in Christ, as you have been exhorted to: And when you have composed your spirits into the most serious frame possible, suitable to a transaction of so high a nature, Lay hold upon the Covenant, and reply upon his promise of giving grace and strength, whereby you may be enabled to perform your promise. Resolve in the next place to be faithful, having engaged your hearts, and opened your mouths, and subscribed with your hands to the Lord; resolve in his strength never to go back. And being thus prepared, and some convenient time being set apart for the purpose, set upon the work, & in the most solemn manner possible, as if the Lord were visibly present before your eyes; fall down on your knees, and spreading forth your hands towards Heaven, open your hearts to the Lord in these or the like words.