360 FORGIVENESS O. SIN. hypocrisy, that is, with some breaches upon the degree of his sincerity, with some insensible regard to outward considerations, is not satisfied with a self-end attained, and is dissatisfied with the defect of his sincerity. In a word, if sincere in private duties and in public perform- ances; in praying, hearing, giving alms, zealous .actings for God's glory and the love of the saints, though these duties are not sometimes done without some mixture of hypocrisy, I mean as traced to its most subtle insinu- ations of self and vain-glory, yet they are not done in hypocrisy, nor do theydenominate the persons by whom they are performed hypocrites. Yet I say of this, as of all that is spoken before, it is of use to relieve us under a troubled condition, but of none to support us or en- courage us to abide in it. 3. Know that God despiseth not small things; he takes notice of the least breathings of our hearts after him, when we ourselves may perceive no such thing. He knows the mind of the Spirit in those workings which never rise to such a height that we can reflect upon them with our observation. Every thing that is of him is noted in his book, though not in ours; he took notice, that when Sarah was acting unbelief towards him, yet she showed respect to Abraham. Gen. 18: 12; 1 Pet. 3 : 6. And even whilst his people are sinning, he can find something in their hearts, words or ways, that pleases himmuch more so in their duties. He is a skilful re- finer that can find much gold in ore where we see no- thing but lead or clay. He remembers the duties which we forget, and blots out the sins which we remember. He justifies our persons, though ungodly, and will also oar duties, though not perfectly godly.
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