An inward change
By the power of God attending his word, he brings these sinners to repentance: an entire inward as well as outward change, from all evil to all good. And this is, in a sound sense, to cast out devils out of the souls in which they had until now dwelt. The strong one can no longer keep his house. A stronger than he has come upon him and has cast him out (Luke 11:22), and taken possession for himself, and made it a habitation of God through his Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). Here then the energy of Satan ends, and the Son of God destroys the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). The understanding of the sinner is now enlightened, and his heart sweetly drawn to God. His desires are refined, his affections purified; and being filled with the Holy Spirit, he grows in grace (2 Peter 3:18) till he is not only holy in heart but in all manner of conduct (1 Peter 1:15).
1771 text
By the power of God attending his word, he brings these sinners to repentance: an entire inward as well as outward change, from all evil to all good. And this is, in a sound sense, to cast out devils, out of the souls wherein they had hitherto dwelt. The strong one can no longer keep his house. A stronger than he is come upon him, and hath cast him out, and taken possession for himself, and made it an habitation of God thro’ his Spirit. Here then the energy of Satan ends, and the Son of God destroys the works of the devil. The understanding of the sinner is now enlightned, and his heart sweetly drawn to God. His desires are refined, his affections purified: and being filled with the Holy Ghost, he grows in grace till he is not only holy in heart, but in all manner of conversation.
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 38 in the 1771 Works. Mark 9:38-39.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.