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But to open this Hypocrisie, and the nature of it, and to shew who we mean by this Hypo∣crite; we are to know first of all: that Hypocri∣sy stands in opposition to the Truth and reality of a thing, and it stands also in opposition to
the Sincerity of a mans intention in the thing, and so Hypocrisy may be with reference to ei∣ther of these. 2. By the Hypocrite in generall we doe not intend one that appears worse then he is indeed, as Peter did when he denied his Lord' (which yet he did not without Hypo∣crisy, being so well acquainted with him) Nor by the Hypocrite doe we intend, one that acts this part for once, or is deceitfull in one thing as Peter, and some others with him were, Gal. 2. 3, 14. And as the best men sometimes may be, and are unfainedly sorry for the same after∣wards. Nor doe we intend by the Hypocrite in generall, such a man, as by humane frailty only falleth into lesser sinnes, Rom. 7. 17, 19 For in many things we offend all, Iames 3. 2. And there is not a man that liveth, and sinneth not, 1 Kings 8. 47. 1 Io. 1. 7, 8. Deut. 32. 5. Nor doe we hereby intend him, that by strength of Temp∣tation may fall into greater sinnes against his purpose, whereof he doth afterwards repent, as David, Solomon, Peter, and others did, and the best of Gods own people may doe. For as a man may be in some Acts without Hypocrisie, and yet be an Hypocrite: so a man may be Hy∣pocriticall in some Acts, and yet be sincere; and there is some Hypocrisie in the best, who at one time or other, or in some things, may appeare better then they are.
3. But by the Hypocrite we meane him, that is an Hypocritie through his heart and life, one that for holinesse and goodnesse, seems to others, and perhaps also to himselfe, to be what he is not, but yet ought to be; or one that desires to make a faire shew without, of that goodnesse and holinesse, which he hath not, nor any root or foundation of, within him. He is one that seems to be, and to act the part of a true Christian, but is none; he appears in the shape of a living Christian, but is dead, Rev. 3. 1. Thou hast a name to live, but art dead. Rom. 2. 28. He is not a Iew that is one outwardly. He doth seem to be a Saint or Angell of Light, and is a Devill, Io. 6. 70. 2 Cor. 11. 14. Hence it is that Hypo∣crites are compared to Tares, which are like to Wheat Matth 13. 25. As Hypocrisie is compared to Leaven, Luke 12. 1. which cannot be known by sight, so the Hypocrite is compared to a wolfe in a sheeps skin: Mat. 7. 15. For the likenes and agreement that is in appearance between him and the true Christian, for they are indeed very hardly to be known the one from the o∣ther. And the Hypocrite having something done upon, and in him, like to the work of Regenaration wrought upon, and in the elect of God, he calleth himselfe, and is called by o∣thers, by the name of them that are regenerate, 1 Pe. 1. 23. Being borne againe, not of corruptible seed,
&c. Rev. 2. 9. Which call themselves Iewes, &c. Esay 48. 1, 2, 3. &c. Which are called by the name of Israel, &c. And hence it is that Hypocrites are called false brethren of the true Christians, Psal. 69. 8. 2 Cor. 11. 26. Gal. 2. 4. False Apostles, and false Prophets, Mat. 24. 24. 2 Cor: 11. 13. Rev. 2. 2. And as they are amongst, so they are said to be of the people of God, Acts 20. 30. 1 Ioh. 2 18, 19. The Hypocrite he looks a great deale better then he is, he promiseth much more then he doth performe, for his best side is without, Mat: 6. 2. 23. 27. 26. 14. 15. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. He is like to an Apple, all faire without but quite rotten within. But the best side of the Sincere man is within, Psal. 45. 13. He is all glori∣ous within, Cant. 1. 5. Or he is the same within and without, Psal. 37. 30, 31. His mouth speaketh wisdome, &c. The Law of God is in his heart, &c. Hence it is that the Hypocrite is compared to a painted Sepulchre or wall, Mat. 23. 27. Act. 23. 3. To a Cloud without water, carried about with every wind, Iud. 12. which notes his uncon∣stancy, for he is unstable in all his wayes, Iames 1. 8. And to a wandring starre. Iude 13. that makes as faire a shew, and promises as much by its influences, as the fixed starre doth. So he seems to promise much to God and Man, and performes nothing, makes a faire shew for a time, and then vanisheth away, and comes to
nothing, Hosea 6. 4. Your goodnesse is as the morn∣ing clowd, and as the early dew it goeth away, Mat. 13. Hence it is he is compared in Scripture, to a de∣ceitfull Bow, Hosea 7. 16. and in our common comparison, to Rowers in the Boat, whiles in their pretence they look one way, in their in∣tents they goe the clean contrary way; or like to an Eagle that soars high towards Heaven, that he may have the more advantage upon his prey upon the Earth, on which his eye is fix∣ed.