But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Ver. 2. The hidden things of dishonesty] All legerdemain a and underhand dealing. They that do evil hate the light, love to lurk. But sin hath woaded an impudence in some men's faces, that they dare do anything.
To every man's conscience] A pure conscience hath a witness in every man's bosom. See 1 Corinthians 14:24. St Paul did so preach and live, that every man's conscience could not choose but say, Certainly Paul preacheth the truth, and liveth right; and we must live as he speaketh and doeth. One desired a misliving preacher to point him out a nearer way to heaven than that he had taught in his sermons; for he went not that way himself. Of such a one it was once said, That when he was out of the pulpit, it was pity he should ever go into it; and when he was in the pulpit, it was pity he should ever come out of it. St Paul was none such, as all knew.
a Sleight of hand; the performance of tricks which by nimble action deceive the eye; magic; conjuring tricks. ŒD