The Godly Man's Picture

Answ. This helps to keep up their fame. 1 Sam. 15. 30. Honour me before the people. Men are ambitious of credit, and would gain repute in the world, therefore they will dress themselves in the garb and mode of Religion, that others may write them down for Saints. But alas, what is one the better ⟨p. 10⟩to have others commend him, and his Conscience condemn him? What good will it do a man when he is in Hell, that others think he is gone to Heaven? O beware of this; Counterfeit piety is double^† iniquity.

1. †Simulata sanctitas duplex iniquitas.

1. To have only a show of godliness is a God-enraging sin: he who is a pretender to Saint-ship, but his heart tells him he hath nothing but the^* Name; he carries Christ in his Bible, but not in his Heart; some politic design spurs him on in the ways of God, he makes Religion a Lackey to his carnal Interest: What is this but to abuse God to his face, and to serve the Devil in Christs Livery? Hypocrisy makes the fury rise up in Gods face; therefore he calls such persons the generation of his wrath, Isa. 10. 6. God will send them to Hell to do penance for their hypocrisy.

1. To have only a show of godliness is a God-enraging sin: he who is a pretender to Saint-ship, but his heart tells him he hath nothing but the^* Name; he carries Christ in his Bible, but not in his Heart; some politick design spurs him on in the wayes of God, he makes Religion a Lacquey to his carnal Interest: What is this but to abuse God to his face, and to serve the Devil in Christs Livery? Hypocrisie makes the fury rise up in Gods face; therefore he calls such persons the generation of his wrath,