The children of darkness
In order to have the clearest view of this, we should remember that (according to the scriptural account) as God dwells and works in the children of light, so the devil dwells and works in the children of darkness. As the Holy Spirit possesses the souls of good men, so the evil spirit possesses the souls of the wicked. Hence it is that the apostle terms him the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), from the uncontrolled power he has over worldly men. Hence our blessed Lord styles him the prince of this world (John 12:31), so absolute is his dominion over it. And hence Saint John: We know that we are of God, and all who are not of God, the whole world, lieth in the wicked one (1 John 5:19). Not lieth in wickedness, but lieth in the wicked one: lives and moves in him, as those who are not of the world do in God.
1771 text
In order to have the clearest view of this, we should remember, that (according to the scriptural account) as God dwells and works in the children of light, so the devil dwells and works in the children of darkness. As the holy Spirit possesses the souls of good men, so the evil spirit possesses the souls of the wicked. Hence it is that the apostle terms him, The God of this world: from the uncontrolled power he has over worldly men. Hence our blessed Lord stiles him the prince of this world: so absolute is his dominion over it. And hence St. John, We know that we are of God, and all who are not of God, the whole world, ἐν τῷ πονηρῷ κεῖται· Not, lieth in wickedness: but lieth in the wicked one; lives and moves in him, as they who are not of the world, do in God.
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.