Hypocrisy Discovered in its Nature and Workings

Cuthbert Sydenham (or Sidenham) (1622–1654) was a Reformed Presbyterian Calvinistic Preacher during the era of the Westminster Assembly. He died at an early age, though he was used mightily by God as a preacher of the Gospel and theologian. This work on hypocrisy is one of the best puritan treatments of the subject. Sydenham opens the words of Christ in Luke 12:1, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” He shows that hypocrisy is the chief enemy of the Gospel, as the Pharisees where the chief enemies of Christ. He also demonstrates that not everyone who is hypocritical is a hypocrite, and there are specific dividing lines that cause a person to be on one side or the other. This work will either awaken the hypocrite to rightly examining himself through dissecting what hypocrisy truly is, or it will help the Christian to guard against types of hypocrisy that may be ready to overtake him. This work centers on the power of Jesus Christ to overcome sin and glorify God.