(12) For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (13) For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; (14) As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
I admire this appeal of the Apostle to the Church, concerning the purity of his life, and conversation, among the people. And this includes both his private deportment, and his public ministry. No fleshly wisdom, no self-preaching. Paul's whole Gospel walk, together with those of his companions in the ministry, was, under the grace of God, in simplicity and godly sincerity. Reader! what is the whole Gospel of Christ, but a plain, simple, and easy to be understood, plan of salvation, and of God's own providing for the Church of Christ? Sweet is it, therefore, in the Preachers of it, when, as Paul, they can appeal to their hearers, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, they have gone in, and out, among them. See that solemn Scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:1-4.