Communion with God. in two sermons preached at Paul'sCommunion vvith God. in two sermons preach'd at Paul's

1. Be not envious at the prosperity of the wicked: never so much as tamper with any of their ways of getting, that which they call happiness. Suppose, saith Cyprian, thou was placed on the top of some Mountain, whence thou mightest safely behold, fluctuantis mundi turbines, the unquiet world that cannot rest; among the wicked 'tis a crime to be innocent. Pleasures are surfeiting?

1. Be not envious at the prosperity of the wicked: never so much as tamper with any of their wayes of getting, that which they call happinesse. Suppose, saith Cyprian, thou was placed on the top of some Mountain, whence thou mightest safely behold, fluctuantis mundi turbines, the unquiet world that cannot rest; among the wicked 'tis a crime to be innocent. Pleasures are surfetting?

Honour's blandientium virus occultum, the poisonous breath of flatterers. And riches, O nominum quanta diversitas, how are they mis-called? we call them goods, and they are almost constantly made use of to evil. Suppose you saw (with a heart to consider) such a prospect, would this tempt you, to fall in love with it? But now look back again (for alas while you are gazing on the world, you have your back upon God) you may hear a voice behind you, Prov. 23.17.18. let not thine heart envy sinners, but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end, ⟨p. 25⟩and thine expectation shall not be cut off. More need pity, then envy those that have their portion in this life: they must pay dear for every moments beggarly happiness. The unclean person for every motion of burning lust, shall lye millions of years in everlasting burning. The intemperate for every sip of generous wine, shall have no other drink then rivers of brimstone. In a word, these whom God now beseecheth by us, whom we pray, in Christs stead, to be reconciled to God, but in vain; they shall never be troubled with these entreaties more; but as they love a distance from God, they shall be set at an eternal distance: And as they laugh now at ministerial reproofs, God will laugh then at their destruction: And those that complement with God in an empty profession, God will profess he knows them not, and deny them Salvation. Consider this you that forget God: now draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you: but you must first cleanse your hands ye sinners, & purify your hearts ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, & weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble your selves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.