Hypocrisy is one of the most abominable of iniquities. It is a sin
that dares it with God. It is a sin that saith God is ignorant, or
that he delighteth in iniquity. It is a sin that flattereth, that
dissembleth, that offereth to hold God, as it were, fair in hand,
about that which is neither purposed nor intended. It is also a sin
that puts a man upon studying and contriving to beguile and deceive
his neighbor as to the bent and intent of the heart, and also as to
the cause and end of actions. It is a sin that persuadeth a man to
make a show of civility, morality, or religion, as a cloak, a
pretence, a guise to deceive withal. It will make a man preach for a
place and praise, rather than to glorify God and save souls; it will
put a man upon talking, that he may be commended; it will make a
man, when he is at prayer in his closet, strive to be heard without
door; it will make a man ask for that he desireth not, and show zeal
in duties when his heart is as cold, as senseless, and as much
without savor as a clod; it will make a man pray to be seen and
heard of men, rather than to be heard of God; it will make a man
strive to weep when he repenteth not, and to pretend much friendship
when he doth not love; it will make a man pretend to experience and
sanctification when he has none, and to faith and sincerity when he
knows not what they are. There is opposed to this sin, simplicity,
innocence, and godly sincerity, without which three graces thou wilt
be a hypocrite. Believe that a hypocrite, with the cunning and
shrouds for his hypocrisy, can go unseen no further than the grave;
nor can he longer flatter himself with thoughts of life.
A hypocrite and a false professor may go a great way; they may pass
through the first and second watch, to wit, may be approved by
Christians and churches; but what will they do when they come at the
iron gate that leadeth into the city?
As Luther says, "In the name of God" begins all mischief. For
hypocrites have no other way to bring their evils to maturity, but
by using and mixing the name of God and religion therewith. Thus
they become whited walls; for by this white, the white of religion,
the dirt of their actions is hid.
Religion to most men is but a by-business, with which they use to
fill up spare hours; or as a stalking-horse, which is used to catch
the game.
The Pharisees did carry the bell and wear the garland for religion.
A fawning dog and a wolf in sheep's clothing; they differ a little
in outward appearance, but they can both agree to worry Christ's
lambs.