The Carping and Cavils of Hypocrites.

Opening Prayer.
Intro.
Lesson 32. To the True and Faithful Members of Christ's Church. Part 2.
The Carping and Cavils of Hypocrites.
1. But as it happened in that temple of Solomon, that all which came thither, came not to pray, but many to prate, some to gaze and see news, others to talk and walk, some to buy and sell, some to carp and find fault, and finally some also at the last to destroy and pluck down, as they did indeed.
i. The nature of the hypocrite.
a. To put on a mask.
b. To imagine you are wiser than God.
c. To pretend religion without doctrine.
ii. They cannot profit from good who come with a mind disposed to evil.
iii. Hostile and indisposed minds are as swine we do not waste the pearls of the gospel upon.
2. For what is in this world so strong, but it will be impugned? What so perfect, but it will be abused? So true, that it will not be contradicted? Or so circumspectly done, wherein wrangling Theon will not set in his tooth? Even so, neither do I look for any other in this present history: but that amongst many well-disposed readers, some wasps' nest or other will be stirred up to buzz about mine ears.
i. The behavior of the hypocrite.
ii. They see truth as error.
iii. They contradict the truth despite its clearness.
iv. Opposition from the world is to be expected.
3. Such a dangerous thing it is nowadays to write or do any good, but either by flattering a man must offend the godly, or by true speaking procure hatred with the wicked.
i. The righteous by the grace of God know their works to be good and pleasing to God.
ii. Question: If by truth we offend the wicked, and if by withholding truth we offend the righteous, what is the better way?
4. Of such stinging wasps and buzzing drones I had sufficient trial in my former edition before, who, if they had found in my book any just cause to carp, or upon any true zeal of truth had proceeded against the untruths of my story and had brought just proofs for the same, I could have right well abided it. For God forbid, but that faults, wheresoever they be, should be detected and accused. And therefore accusers in a commonwealth after my mind do serve to no small stead.
i. We are humble and desire to be corrected when wrong.
ii. We are careful not to be wrong.
iii. Those who find error in something that is wanting substance or truth are to be commended.
iv. The gospel contains no error but is perfect and whole. Justification by faith.
iii. Those who find error with the gospel and our ministry are the accusers, the friends of Satan.
iv. Their opinions mean nothing to us.
Conclusion.
Closing Prayer.