A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

2. As to the pretence of Hypocrisy, you know what is usually answered; it is one thing to do a thing in hypocrisy, another not to do it without a mixture of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy in its long extent is every thing that for matter or manner comes short of sincerity. Now our sincerity is no more perfect than our other graces; so that in its measure it abides with us, and adheres to all we do: In like manner, it is one thing to do a thing for vain glory, and to be seen of men, another not to be able wholly to keep off the subtle insinuations of self and vain glory. He that doth a thing in hypocrisy, and for vain glory, is satisfied with some corrupt end obtained, though he be sensible that he sought such an end. He that doth a thing with a mixture of hypocrisy, that is with some breaches upon the degrees of his sincerity, with some insensible advancements in performance on outward considerations, is not satisfied with a self end attained, and is dissatisfied with the defect of his sincerity. In a word, wouldst thou yet be sincere, and dost endeavour so to be in private duties, and in public performances; in praying, hearing, giving alms, zealous actings for Gods glory, and the Love of the Saints, though these duties are not, it may be, ⟨p. 354⟩sometimes, done without sensible hypocrisy, I mean as traced to its most subtle insinuations of self and vain glory, yet are they not done in hypocrisy, nor do not denominate the persons by whom they are performed hypocrites; Yet I say of this, as of all that is spoken before; it is of use to relieve us under a troubled condition, of none to support us or encourage us unto an abode in it.

2. As to the pretence of Hypocrisie, you know what is usually answered; it is one thing to do a thing in hypocrisie, another not to do it without a mixture of hypocrisie. Hypocrisie in its long extent is every thing that for matter or manner comes short of sincerity. Now our sincerity is no more perfect than our other graces; so that in its measure it abides with us, and adheres to all we do: In like manner, it is one thing to do a thing for vain glory, and to be seen of men, another not to be able wholly to keep off the subtle insinuations of self and vain glory. He that doth a thing in hypocrisie, and for vain glory, is satisfied with some corrupt end obtained, though he be sensible that he sought such an end. He that doth a thing with a mixture of hypocrisie, that is with some breaches upon the degrees of his sincerity, with some insensible advancements in performance on outward considerations, is not satisfied with a self end attained, and is dissatisfied with the defect of his sincerity. In a word, wouldst thou yet be sincere, and dost endeavour so to be in private duties, and in publick performances; in praying, hearing, giving alms, zealous actings for Gods glory, and the Love of the Saints, though these duties are not, it may be,