The peril of the times displayed. Or The danger of mens taking up with…

2. There is great danger in it, if you are thus imposed on, it will certainly expose you, and you will sooner or later find it to your sorrow; for consider:

1. You cannot impose upon God. You have not only to deal with men in this matter, but with the heart searching God: now God requires your hearts in all your duties, as well as the careful observance of the duties themselves; they are put together, Prov. 23.26. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ⟨p. 151⟩ways; we are told, Psal. 51.6. that God requireth truth in the inward parts. When you go about any Service, God doth not only see what formality you use; but he enquires whe•e your hearts are; those Jews were as fair and plausible in their carriage as could be, but God made that observation upon them, Ezek. 33.31. Their heart is gone after their covetousness; and you cannot, by all your curious and cunning contrivances, deceive him: all your covers and pretences hide not from him, Psal. 139.12. the darkness hideth not from thee: We are therefore warned on this account, Gal. 6 7. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. God remarks, not only what men do right, but whether they do it with a perfect heart; such a note is made upon him, 2 Chron. 25.2. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.

1. You cannot impose upon God. You have not only to deal with men in this matter, but with the heart searching God: now God requires your hearts in all your duties, as well as the careful observance of the duties themselves; they are put together,