πρόφασις

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.