p. 127 | Hypocrisy by M. D. Mathews

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 3, 1871

Hypocrisy.

By M. D. Mathews

FOR they say and do not. Matt. 23: 3.

Hypocrisy is a sin which was especially manifested among the Scribes and Pharisees in our Saviour's time; hence we hear him denounce many woes upon them as related in this chapter. Most people have a great aversion to a hypocrite; yet this world is full of deceit, especially in these last days.

But what we hate in others we should not love in ourselves. Do we not often say and do not? Let us examine ourselves a little on this point. There are many ways in which we may be real hypocrites before God and not be conscious of it. “But do not ye after their works; for they say and do not.” How displeasing must this be to our heavenly Father! How contrary to his commandments! If hypocrisy was such a sin as to call forth such denunciations from our Saviour while among men, it is now just as great.

And are there not a very great multitude in these last days even among those professing godliness who say and do not? Yes it is a lamentable fact a great hindrance to the cause of Christ.

How many pure hearts bleed, how many faltering ones stumble, how many careless sinners when brought to see their lost condition, and are ready to start in a new life stop and say, I will not go with these. Oh! that the remnant people would separate themselves from all sin. His chosen ones will be clean.

Dear reader may you and I be one of that number. M. D. MATHEWS.