This fable shows us, that no regard is to be had to the mere habit or
outside of any person, but to undisguised worth and intrinsic virtue.
When we place our esteem upon the external garb, before we inform
ourselves of the qualities which it covers, we may often mistake evil
for good, and, instead of a Sheep, take a Wolf into our protection.
Therefore, however innocent or sanctified any one may appear, as to the
vesture wherewith he is clothed, we may act rashly, because we may be
imposed upon, if from thence we take it for granted, that he is inwardly
as good and righteous as his outward robe would persuade us he is. Men
of judgment and penetration do not use to give an implicit credit to a
particular habit, or a peculiar colour, but love to make a more exact
scrutiny; for he that will not come up to the character of an honest,
good kind of man, when stripped of his Sheep's Clothing, is but the more
detestable for his intended imposture; as the Wolf was but the more
obnoxious to the shepherd's resentment, by wearing a habit so little
suiting with his manners.