A Christian Directory

§. 28. Direct. 23. Think not that you avoid Hypocrisy by changing the expressions of it; but see that ¹you run not into a more subtle kind, while you avoid a grosser. There is no outward way of worshipping God, nor no opinion in Religion so sound, but an Hypocrite can make a cloak of it. You see an ignorant ridiculous Hypocrite, such as Bishop Hall describeth in his character, that can pray ⟨p. 215⟩up to a Pillar, when his heart knoweth not what his tongue is doing, that babbleth over a few words to God while he is dressing or washing him, and talking between to the standers by; who offereth to God the Sacrifice of a fool, and knoweth not that he doth evil, Eccles. 5. 2. that serveth God with toys and antic gestures, and saying over certain words which were never acquainted with the feeling of his heart; nor scarce with his understanding: And to avoid his hypocrisy perhaps you can merrily deride him, and make a formal Popish Hypocrite the subject of your jests; and you can your selves with good understanding pour out your selves many hours togethers in orderly and meet expressions of prayer: But remember that many an Hypocrite maketh himself a cloak of as good stuff as this: And that as Pride hath more advantage to work upon your greater knowledge and better parts; so Hypocrisy is but the off-spring of Pride. All this without a Heart entirely devoted unto God, is but a carcass better dr•s•; as the rich have more curious monuments than the poor. There is no outside thing, in which an Hypocrite may not seem excellent.²

§. 28. Direct. 23. Think not that you avoid Hypocrisie by changing the expressions of it; but see that ¹you run not into a more subtile kind, while you avoid a grossee. There is no outward way of worshipping God, nor no opinion in Religion so sound, but an Hypocrite can make a cloak of it. You see an ignorant ridiculous Hypocrite, such as Bishop Hall describeth in his character, that can pray ⟨p. 215⟩