The Danger of Hypocrisy.
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A hypocrite is the devil's servant—in God's uniform; and therefore detested both in heaven and on earth. Man sees his uniform—and therefore hates him; and God sees his heart—and therefore will not own him. Men see his outward sanctity—and therefore deride him; and God sees his inward hypocrisy—and therefore abhors him! So that he travels in the wilderness, and shall never rest in Canaan. When he sums up his labours—he will perceive that instead of that blessed sentence of approbation, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" he shall hear that awful sentence, "Who has required this at your hands?"
He who so cunningly deceived others—does as foolishly beguile himself. In a word, he is a man that steals his damnation, and sweats to go to hell. So that the openly profane, and cunningly hypocritical, meet there at last, with this difference; the one goes through the gate, and the other steals through the back gate!
Lord, while the hypocrite clothes himself with formality, clothe me with sincerity. Men may hate me—but I care not, if God loves me; my duties may be very imperfect—but they shall have a gracious acceptance; my way may be in trouble—but my rest shall be in glory.