Thomas Adams on the vileness of hypocrisy

[Reformed Covenanter]

… It is the worst of sins, because it counterfeits all virtues: he that counterfeits the King’s coin, is liable to death, if hypocrisy find not death, and (mortem sine morte) death without death, for counterfeiting the king of heaven’s Seal manual of grace, it speeds better then it merits: vice is made virtues ape in an hypocrite's practise. If he see Chusi run, this Ahimaaz will outrun him: he mends his pace, but not his path: the goodman goes slower, but will be at heaven before him: thus thriftiness in a Saint, is counterfeited by niggardliness in an hypocrite: be thou charitable, behold he is bountiful, but not except thou may behold him: his vainglorious pride shall emulate thy liberality: thou art good to the poor, he will be better to the rich: he follows the religious man a far of, as Peter did Christ, but when he comes to the cross, he will deny him. Thus hypocrisy can but put blood into your cheeks, (like the Aliptae) and better your colours; but you may be sick in your consciences, and almost dead at the heart, and (non est medicamen in hortis) there is no medicine in this drugster's shop can cure you. ...

For more, see Thomas Adams on the vileness of hypocrisy.

 

[Pergamum]

The more holy we try to be, the more our risk of hypocrisy. Therefore, be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

 

[JH]

Wow, a hard read. Personally, I almost don't want to share this with others, because doing so could be a stumbling block to appear more holy before men. May God help me and us all have true childlike faith in looking to the Saviour and not ourselves.