_First, Lest while Christ is in your mouths, the world run away with your hearts._ There is many a seeming Christian that will be found a mere Idolater. Many a soul goes down to _Hell_ in this sin, and never discerns it till it be too late. Remember, that the _Oxen_, the Farm, Wife, Merchandize, all of them lawful comforts, did effectually keep men from closing with Christ, as the vilest lusts of the worst of men. Whatever you find your hearts very much _pleased_ in among these earthly comforts, set a mark upon that thing, and remember that there lies your greatest danger. What you love most, you must fear most; and think often with yourselves, this, if any thing, is like to be my ruin. Oh, the multitudes that perish by the secret hand of this enemy, the over-valuing of earthly things. The hearers compared to the thorny ground did openly fall away; but while others withered they were as green and fresh as ever; and yet their inordinate affection to the things of this life, secretly undid all at last. Little do most think while they please themselves in their estates, while they delight themselves so freely in their children, in their wives, in their habitations and possessions; that these are the things which are like to undo them for ever. How little is that scripture thought of, _love not the world; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him_. Are there not many among us, who though they keep up prayer, and other holy duties; yet the strength of their hearts goeth out after earthly things? And these are their chief care and their chief joy. Such must know they are none of Christ’s; and they had better understand now, and seek to be renewed by repentance, than hereafter, when there shall be no place for repentance. Secondly, _Lest while iniquity abounds, your love to Christ wax cold_. Remember what an abomination _Laodicea_ was to Christ, because she grew luke-warm; and what a controversy he had with _Ephesus_, a sound church, because she did but slacken and grow remiss in her love. A friend is born for adversity; and now is the time, if you will prove the sincerity of your love to Christ, by following him zealously, resolvedly, fully, now he is rejected and opposed.