An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

Thirdly, This simplicity is seen in an holy boldness to do our duty, to be ¹zealous for God, to reprove sin, though there be never so many Lions in the way. It is true, the wise men of the world call this simplicity indeed, making it the same with folly. Thus most of our Christian duties, if fervently and zealously performed, are nothing but folly and silliness to carnal policy. But to appear for God, and to own his ways among a crooked and malicious people, is an excellent mark of simplicity, whereas hypocrisy measuring all things by its safety, honour and profit, becometh like the shadow to the body, su•eth it self to every corrupt humour of others. But this plainness of heart maketh us with David, Psal. 119. to speak of the Law even before Kings, and always to obey ⟨p. 411⟩God, rather than men. So much shrinking from thy duty, because of the fear or favours of men is so much want of simplicity. Hence Varinus makes [Greek or Hebrew] the same with [Greek or Hebrew], boldness and freedom. Oh then pray exceedingly for this simplicity of spirit, that will make thee constant, bold and zealous for God! How often may thy conscience convince thee, that sinful fear, or foolish shame, or carnal affections have made thee not do th•se duties with singleness of heart, as thou shouldst have done? How many times hast thou betrayed the truth, by sinful silence? How many times hast thou wounded thy spirit, by holding thy tongue, whereas this holy simplicity would have emboldened thee? It is true, there is Christian prudence required also, there must be the wisdom of a Serpent, as well as the innocency of the Dove. Discretion is the salt to season our Sacrifices, and there must be this salt, as well as the fire of zeal; but we must look the Serpent doth not eat up this Dove; that discretion doth not devour this simplicity.

Thirdly, This simplicity is seen in an holy boldnesse to do our duty, to be ¹zealous for God, to reprove sinne, though there be never so many Lions in the way. It is true, the wisemen of the world call this simplicity indeed, making it the same with folly. Thus most of our Christian duties, if fervently and zealously performed, are nothing but folly and silliness to carnal policy. But to appear for God, and to own his wayes among a crooked and malicious people, is an excellent mark of simplicity, whereas hypocrisie measuring all things by its safety, honour and profit, becometh like the shadow to the body, sueth it self to every corrupt humour of others. But this plainness of heart maketh us with David,