Simplicity
We have lived our whole manner of life in such a world, in simplicity and godly sincerity. First, in simplicity. This is what our Lord recommends under the name of a single eye. The light of the body, he says, is the eye. If therefore your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light. The meaning is this. What the eye is to the body, the intention is to all the words and actions. If therefore this eye of your soul is single, all your actions and your manner of life will be full of light, of the light of heaven, of love and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
We are simple of heart when the eye of our mind is fixed singly on God, when in all things we aim at God alone, as our God, our portion, our strength, our happiness, our exceeding great reward, our all, in time and in eternity. This is simplicity: when a steady view, a single intention of promoting his glory, of doing and suffering his blessed will, runs through our whole soul, fills all our heart, and is the constant spring of all our thoughts, desires, and purposes.
1771 text
11. We have had our whole conversation in such a world, in simplicity and godly sincerity. First, in simplicity. This is what our Lord recommends, under the name of a single eye. The light of the body, saith he, is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. The meaning whereof is this. What the eye is to the body, that the intention is, to all the words and actions. If therefore this eye of thy soul be single, all thy actions and conversation, shall be full of light, of the light of heaven; of love and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
We are then simple of heart, when the eye of our mind is singly fixt on God: when in all things we aim at God alone, as our God, our portion, our strength, our happiness, our exceeding great reward, our all, in time and eternity. This is simplicity; when a steddy view, a single intention of promoting his glory, of doing and suffering his blessed will, runs thro’ our whole soul, fills all our heart, and is the constant spring of all our thoughts, desires and purposes.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 12 in the 1771 Works. Second Corinthians 1:12.
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