VI. DOWN, YET UP.

HYPOCRITE, in the native etymology of the word, as it is used by ancient Greek authors, signifieth such a one, qui alienae personae in comoedia aut tragoedia est effector et repraesentator, who in comedy or tragedy doth feign and represent the person of another; in plain English, hypocrite is neither more nor less than a stage-player.

We all know that stage-players some years since were put down by public authority; and though something may be said for them, more may be brought against them, who are rather in an employment than a vocation.

But let me safely utter my too just fears; I suspect the fire was quenched in the chimney, and in another respect scattered about the house. Never more strange stage-players than now, who wear the vizards of piety and holiness, that under that covert they may more securely commit sacrilege, oppression, and what not.

In the days of Queen Elizabeth, a person of honour or worship would as patiently have digested the lie as to have been told that they did wear false pendants, or any counterfeit pearl or jewels about them, so usual in our age; yet would it were the worst piece of hypocrisy 245in fashion. O, let us all labour for integrity of heart, and either appear what we are, or be what we appear!