:: " It would be thought a Piece of Hypocrisy and pharisaical Ostentation in me, if I should say, that I print these Distichs more with a view to the Good of others than my own private Advantage : And indeed I cannot say it; for I confess, I have so great Confidence in the common Virtue and Good Sense of the People of this and the neighoring Provinces, that I expect to sell a very good impression ."
12.
The New Testament, particularly the Synoptic Gospels, presents especially the leadership of the Pharisees as obsessed with man-made rules ( especially concerning purity ) whereas Jesus is more concerned with God s love; the Pharisees scorn sinners whereas Jesus seeks them out . ( The Gospel of John, which is the only gospel where Nicodemus is mentioned, particularly portrays the sect as divided and willing to debate ) Because of the New Testament's frequent depictions of Pharisees as self-righteous rule-followers ( see also Woes of the Pharisees and Legalism ( theology ) ), the word " pharisee " ( and its derivatives : " pharisaical ", etc . ) has come into semi-common usage in English to describe a hypocritical and arrogant person who places the letter of the law above its spirit.
