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…

Thus much of simplicity, as it relateth immediately to God. Now because ¹the Apostle useth the word largely, relating to his ministerial conversation, as it did reach to men, we shall take in briefly the consideration of that also. And

1. 1Of simplicity towards men.

First, Godly simplicity maketh a man inoffensive to men. This simplicity ¹maketh a man harmless and unblameable, as to others. Christs Disciples are compared to Sheep, not to Bears for cruelty, or Foxes for craft in doing mischief; therefore [Greek or Hebrew] is as much as [Greek or Hebrew]. The Apostle saith, I would have you simple in malice, Rom. 16. 19. The leaven that was forbidden in the Sacrifices did signify malice and sourness. So that where this simplicity is, a man is wonderful harmless, is not injurious, doth no wrong. The word used in that place of Rom. 16. 19. is [Greek or Hebrew], which though it properly come from [Greek or Hebrew], yet some make it from [Greek or Hebrew], as if to say, without horns. The people of God are meek and lowly, as it's said of Jacob, He was a plain man, but Esau rough and hairy; which may relate to their manners, as well as bodily constitutions; not but that they can be as bold as Lions in the cause of God. Simplicity is consistent with zeal and courage for God. Moses was the meekest man upon earth, yet in the case of Idolatry, and the peoples uncleanness, how forward was he to have severe punishment inflicted on the offenders?

First, Godly simplicity maketh a man inoffensive to men. This simplicity ¹