March 23, 2017

The Christian in Complete Armour - Gurnall - XXIII - Direction Fifth continued

Required reading
The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the First Use of Division First of Second General Part of Direction Fifth.

My summary
Now we read Gurnall's first use for the truth of heart as a girdle for the will that covers the Christian's uncomeliness.

Gurnall observes the odious nature of hypocrisy and its hatefulness to God.

Then he gives some aggravations of hypocrisy and outlines things the hypocrite trades in and lays claim to.


What grabbed me
I appreciated the reminder of the relationship of hypocrisy to other sins: 'Hypocrisy cannot so properly be said to be one single sin, as the sinfulness of other sins. It is among sins, as sincerity among graces. Now that is not one grace but an ornament, that beautifies and graces all other graces. The preciousness of faith is, that it is 'unfeigned,' and of love to be 'without dissimulation.' Thus the odiousness of sins is, when they are committed in hypocrisy.'

Hypocrisy compounds the seriousness of other sin.

Next week's readingCommence the Second Use of Division First of Second General Part of Direction Fifth by reading up to 'Directions to those who, upon trial, are found insincere and false-hearted'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.









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