the very maine ground of all hypocisie, that this one thing is not duly thought on. Men forget him that seeth in secret, whose eyes are as a flame of fire, wherewith he pierceth further then the outward face: and hereupon they are not to imagine, that when they have carried the matter smoothly and fairly before men, all is well. The world either applauds them, or accuseth them not, and hereupon they flatter themselves, as if nothing more were to be looked after. Let us then remember this, if we would be true and sincere in our hearts; The waies of manProv. 5.21. are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondreth all his paths. This kept the Church and people of God of old in their sincerity, and preserved them from dealing falsely concerning his Covenant; they thought with themselves, If we doe thus and thus, shall not God search it out?Psal. 44.17,21. for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. And this consideration moved Paul to faithfulnesse in his Ministerie; We make not merchandize of the word,2 Cor. 2.17. but as of sincerity, but as of God, speake we in Christ. See what things goe together, doing a matter in sincerity, and doing it, as in the sight of God.
4. Society and fellowship with the faithfull is a signe of uprightnesse, and a meanes of continuance and encrease therein. For he that setteth his heart upon heaven, will be carefull to draw on and encourage his companion in the same way. Coales laid together kindle each other, and preserve heate the longer: So it is with the faithfull linked together in holy communion.
5. It is good to call our selves to a frequent reckoning touching our carriages, binding our selves to an examination of them. He that hath a servant, of whose fidelity he maketh some doubt, and whom he desires, if it might be, to reclaime, both for the good of the party, and for his owne particular also, that he may be usefull to him, he will not let him run on too long before he call him to an account; he considers that to be the next way to make him carelesse and secure. If he expect ever and anon to be reckoned with, it will cause him so much the more carefully to looke unto his businesse. It is so in this case. The word of God telleth thee, that thou hast with thee a false, coosening, deceitfull heart: an heart that will beguile thee to thine utter ruine; it is ever ready to practise with Satan the professed enemie of thy soule, to worke mischiefe against thee: Wouldst thou reforme this heart, that itmight
