Hypocrisy

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 1, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 13.

Hypocrisy is the sure result of observing the traditions of men. The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus, “Why walk not Thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders?” and He answered in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “This people honoreth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” This principle is so plain that even the men of the world can see it. The Tribune of this city says, editorially:—

Not a few people borrow the garb of piety to wear during the season of Lent. They make a pretense of fasting as an atonement for being fast. What fools these mortals be! As if the Lord can be cheated by devices that do not deceive men even!

Those Protestants who are just now being carried away with the Lent and Easter traditions would do well to note this comment, and ponder the effect of their folly. The fact can not be too strongly emphasized, that walking according to the traditions of men is walking away from the commandments of God. The words of Christ are plain and pointed: “Laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.” “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” “Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” See Matt. 15: 1-9; Mark 7: 5-13.