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

as you would rejoice when most of the world shall be filled with unspeakable horror, and perplexity; as you would not hear that heart-rending word from the mouth of the Judge, Depart, I know you not, come away, I beseech you! Come away! O ye my dear Friends, the Cloud hangs over the world, and ere long it will fall with a vengeance. O come out of Sodom, linger not for the Lords sake, lest the dint of that storm fall upon you. Fire! fire! fire! Awake! awake! ⟨p. 373⟩awake! The fire is kindled. What meanest thou, O sinner! if thou sleepest a little longer in that Bed of security, thou art a dead man, thou wilt be awakened with horror, when thou shalt know thy danger, but not know how to avoid it: And do you still say? Make hast! O make hast, your Glass is almost out, your time almost spent, and death is hastening apace upon you; I speak it again, make haste, come away, I can't, I can't hold my peace. How can I endure to see the ruin of thy Soul, and say nothing! O follow those Directions which I have given thee out of the Scripture! Seek the Lord while he may be found, and with all possible speed, seriousness, and gratitude, accept of his kindness, while you may. Methinks some of your hearts seem to be affected; methinks your countenances speaks you to have some thoughts of returning; some of you look like persons almost resolved to set upon this great work. O that it may not be almost, but altogether! Speak in such Language as this to your own Souls. What meanest thou, O my Soul, thus to stand Disputing? Is this a time for thee to stand still, as if thou hadst nothing to do? Hark, how the King of Glory calls! Hear how his Messengers invite you! Consider how long they have stood waiting for thee! And shall they go away without thee? O foolish Heart and unwise; wilt thou answer all these Gracious Offers with a flat denial? Or that which is little better, wilt thou put off all Gods Messengers with some sorry excuses? Awake, O my Soul, and look about thee! How canst thou refuse when Mercy calls? How ⟨p. 374⟩canst thou deny when Kindness it self asks, entreats, beseecheth thee? Awake for shame, up and put on thy Wedding Garments! O that this mind might be in you always! O that thou wert up and ready! And then happy were the day wherein thou wert born; then happy were the day that ever you heard of a Christ, of Acquaintance with God, and Reconciliation with your Maker.