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

3. Take heed of Hypocrisy. Who are the persons that God doth denounce his dreadful threatenings against? Are they not such as honour him with their Lips, when their Hearts is far from him? With what Abhorrency doth he look upon such, and all that they do? Isa. 1. They never bring their heart to visit God with, and therefore they have little reason to expect that he should bring his Dainties to entertain them with.

3. Take heed of Hypocrisie. Who are the persons that God doth denounce his dreadful threatnings against? Are they not such as honour him with their Lips, when their Hearts is far from him? With what Abhorrency doth he look upon such, and all that they do? Isa. 1. They never bring their heart to visit God with, and therefore they have little reason to expect that he should bring his Dainties to entertain them with.

4. If you would be acquainted with God, take heed of being acquainted with wicked company. We read that many wicked men have fared the better for the company of the godly; but we scarce ever heard that any godly man ever fared the better for being in the company of the wicked, except they went on Gods Errand amongst them. This is clear in the case of Lot, who first lost his goods, and was made a Captive by being in Sodom; and though they were restored to him ⟨p. 360⟩again for a while, (one would have thought that should have been a fair warning how he came again into such company) yet because that would not do, a while after you may read how dear Lot paid for dwelling in Sodom. Poor man! he lost all that he had, and was fain to fly away without either. Flocks or Herds, and little more than his clothes on his back; and that which was more sad, to leave some of his own dear Relations behind him, roasting in those dismal flames. Whereas had he never come to Sodom, or upon the sight of their wickedness speedily left them, it had been much better with him in many respects. Jehoshaphat fared never the better for joining in affinity with his wicked Neighbours, it had like to have cost him his life. But were it, only loss of Temporals that a man hazarded by such society, the danger were not so considerable; but the peril is greater than so, for by it they make God stand at a distance; they must never look to have such company, and Gods company both together; I mean, when they do unnecessarily or delightfully converse with God. If therefore you intend to be acquainted with God, you must not have them always in your company whom he hates, and which hate him, and will labour all they can to cool your affections towards him. Wherefore, be ye not unequally yoked with unbelievers: For, what Fellowship hath Righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an Infidel? And what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? For ye are the Temple of the living God, as God hath said,