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  PAINTED AND GILDED OVER
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Sin is never less filthy or vile, regardless of its appearance,
and we must be aware of Satan's strategy to present it in a disguised
form.

Topics: "Spiritual Vigilance", "Deception of Sin"
Scripture References: Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 5:20, Matthew 7:15, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Galatians 6:7, Ephesians 5:6, James 1:14-15, 1 Peter 5:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive nature of sin, emphasizing
that Satan disguises sin with the appearance of virtue to lead us
astray. He illustrates that sin remains vile and abominable, regardless
of how it is presented, much like a poisonous pill gilded in gold or a
wolf in sheep's clothing. Brooks urges believers to recognize the true
nature of sin, which can often be hidden beneath attractive exteriors,
and to remain vigilant against its allure.

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CONTENT
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"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we

are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11

Satan knows that if he would present sin in its own nature

and dress, the soul would rather fly from it than yield to it;

and therefore he presents it unto us, not in its own proper

colors--but painted and gilded over with the name and

show of virtue, that we may the more easily be overcome

by it, and take the more pleasure in committing of it.

Consider that sin is never a whit the less filthy, vile, and

abominable--by its being colored and painted with virtue's

colors. A poisonous pill is never a whit the less poisonous

because it is gilded over with gold; nor a wolf is never a

whit the less a wolf because he has put on a sheep's skin;

nor the devil is never a whit the less a devil because he

appears sometimes like an angel of light. So neither is sin

any whit the less filthy and abominable by its being painted

over with virtue's colors.

The most dangerous vermin is too often to be found under

the fairest and sweetest flowers; the fairest glove is often

drawn over the foulest hand; and the richest robes are

often put upon the filthiest bodies. So are the fairest and

sweetest names upon the greatest and the most horrible

vices and errors that be in the world.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/painted-and-gilded-over/
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