chapter xiii

. 15.) But they would not be reproved; they were still _wise in their own eyes_, and _prudent in their own sight_, (Isaiah v. 21.) and continually saying to their neighbour, _Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou_! (Isaiah lxv. 5.)

They added _hypocrisy_ to their pride. _This people_, saith God himself, _draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their hearts far from me_, (Isaiah xxix. 13.) _They have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds_, (Hosea vii. 14.) _They return, but not to the Most High; they are like a deceitful bow_, (verse 16.) _They did but flatter him with their mouth, and dissemble with him in their tongue_, (Psalms lxxviii. 36.) So that herein they only _prophaned the holiness of the Lord. And this have ye done again_, saith _Malachi_, _covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more_, (