The counterfeit Christian, or, The danger of hypocrisy opened in two sermons

This may inform us of the Cause and Reason there is so great¹ Reproach brought upon Religion, and on the Ways of God, and on the People of God, by some who profess the Gospel. Alas, many of them who are called Saints, we may justly fear are but counterfeit Christians, such who never experienced a true Work of Grace; they may have knowing Heads, but unsanctified Hearts. And from hence it is there are so many proud Persons in many Congregations, who with brazen Foreheads will brave it out, with impudent Faces, in the presence of Christ's faithful Ministers; and though reproved, and told of their cursed Pride and abominable Dresses, high and shameful Towers, hateful to God and good Men, yet reform not, will not deny themselves of their filthy Lusts, tho the Name of God and Religion is exposed to great Reproach and Contempt thereby, and the Hearts of sincere Christians wounded, and mourn for it bitterly before the Lord. If they had but a spark of true Grace, could they ever stand it out thus against the Gun-shot of Heaven? How fearless do they seem under the rattling Peals of the Thunder of Heaven? They regard not the whetted Sword of the Almighty, nor the bending of his dreadful Bow; nor mind the Arrows that are just upon the String, who is ready to send forth his Anger with Fury, and his Rebukes in Flames of Fire.

This may inform us of the Cause and Reason there is so great¹ Reproach brought upon Religion, and on the Ways of God, and on the People of God, by some who profess the Gospel. Alas, many of them who are called Saints, we may justly fear are but counterfeit Christians, such who never experienced a true Work of Grace; they may have knowing Heads, but unsanctified Hearts. And from hence it is there are so many proud Persons in many Congregations, who with brazen Foreheads will brave it out, with impudent Faces, in the presence of Christ's faithful Ministers; and though reproved, and told of their cursed Pride and abominable Dresses, high and shameful Towers, hateful to God and good Men, yet reform not, will not deny themselves of their filthy Lusts, tho the Name of God and Religion is exposed to great Reproach and Contempt thereby, and the Hearts of sincere Christians wounded, and mourn for it bitterly before the Lord. If they had but a spark of true Grace, could they ever stand it out thus against the Gun-shot of Heaven? How fearless do they seem under the ratling Peals of the Thunder of Heaven? They regard not the whetted Sword of the Almighty, nor the bending of his dreadful Bow; nor mind the Arrows that are just upon the String, who is ready to send forth his Anger with Fury, and his Rebukes in Flames of Fire.