Tillotson: true enemy vs. false friend

Thursday, June 21, 2018
Meditation:
    Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
    —Matthew 26:49-50 (NIV)
Quotation:
    A mere form of religion does upon some accounts bring a man under a heavier sentence, than if he were openly profane and irreligious. He that makes a show of religion flatters God, but all the while he acts and designs against him: whereas the profane man deals plainly, and though he be a monstrous and unnatural rebel, yet he is a fair and open enemy. And the kisses of a false friend are more hateful than the wounds of an open enemy.
    ... John Tillotson (1630-1694), Works of Dr. John Tillotson, v. VIII, London: J. F. Dove, for R. Priestley, 1820, Sermon CCV, p. 540 (see the book)
    See also Matt. 26:49-50; Prov. 27:6; Matt. 23:13,15; 24:51; 2 Tim. 3:5
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, grant that I may betray You no more. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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