The plain mans path-way to heaven

Phil. I marvel much with what face these cruel oppressors can come before God in his holy Temple to pray, and offer up their sacrifices unto him. For we see, many of them, though they have such foul hands, and foul hearts, as we have heard; yet for all that, will most impudently presume to come to the Church and pray: or at least, when they are laid in their beds at nights, and half: sleep, then will they mumble over their prayers, or be pattering some Paternosters.

Phil. I marvell much with what face these cruell oppressors can come before God in his holy Temple to pray, and offer up their sacrifices unto him. For we see, many of them, though they have such fowle hands, and fowle hearts, as wee have heard; yet for all that, will most impudently presume to come to the Church and pray: or at least, when they are laid in their beds at nights, and halfe: sleep, then will they mumble over their praiers, or be pattering some Paternosters.

Theol. Alas, alas, poor souls! all that they do in matters of Gods worship, is but hypocrisy and dissimulation. For in truth they are not for God, they love him but from the teeth outward: their mouths are with him, but their heart goes after covetousness, and their hands are full of blood. And therefore God doth both abhor them and their prayers. For, saith he,¹ Though they stretch out their hands, yet will I hide mine eyes from them: and ⟨p. 215⟩though they make many prayers, yet will I not hear them. For their hands are full of blood. Moreover the holy Ghost saith,² He that turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is abominable. ³David saith, If I regard wickedness in my heart, God will not hear my prayer. Our Lord Jesus also affirmeth,